Monthly Archives: November 2008

High school students are known for associating in cliques. They naturally gather in circles of exclusion. They may not even be doing it intentionally, but they often leave others out.  Sadly, sometimes this even happens here at church.

- And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

Jesus is calling us to do more than greet those we already have a relationship with. This verse is in the context of loving our enemies. Non-Christians easily accept people who have already shown acceptance to them. It is distinctly Christian to reach out to someone who offers you nothing in return, someone who may even be against you.

In the previous verses, Jesus talks about how God gives sunshine and rain to both the righteous and the wicked.  Imagine if he only showed love to those who loved him. None of us would even be saved. God loved us when we were his enemies, when we were in sin against him (

). We need to love others like this, looking for ways to take the initiative.

So, when we come to church this weekend, let’s not greet like pagans. Don’t just talk to the people you already consider brothers. Go up to someone you don’t know.  Practice hospitality and try to make them feel at home.  Welcome them in the same way that we have been brought into God’s family. Let them know we are Christians, by showing them the Father’s unconditional love.