Welcoming – February 29, 2012

ROMANS 12:9-13

Upon receiving the request to write this devotional there were a series of

thoughts that ran through my head: the first being that I would be willing to do it, the

next was remembering whether or not I knew what evangelism meant. After consideration

(and a quick trip to the dictionary) I am prepared to give the devotional.

Evangelism is a difficult task to ask of someone, just the thought of even having to talk about our faith is too much for some to handle. Being an evangelist doesn’t necessarily mean that one needs to go door-to-door handing out pamphlets, but simply being as friendly and accepting to anyone who might be a new member to the church or visitor. The scripture I have chosen talks about how love must be genuine and to greet one another with brotherly (or sisterly) affection. My grandma, Maxine Jacobsen, is the best example of this I can think of, she can make anyone feel welcome in our church. The main reason for this is that she is genuine in everything she does; the love she spreads is from the heart. She greets newcomers at the door, introduces them to whoever else she sees, thoroughly embarrasses me by sharing stories about her grandson, and always makes sure that they do not have to sit alone during the service. As a young adult who is trying to discover what kind of life I will lead I have always strived to obtain qualities such as these. So in essence to me the best way to be an evangelist is to love unconditionally and treat no one as an outsider.

Prayer: God, thank you for making me feel welcome in your presence. Give me strength to remember you are with me in those moments when I feel less-than welcome. And help me to create an experience of your abundant welcome so that others may feel your love through me.

Nelson Gould is a 17-year-old senior in high school who attends Mayfair Christian Church in Stockton, CA and serves on Regional Youth Council.