A Simple Principle to Help People Heal
Feeling God’s pleasure
I’ve led small groups, done some teaching, and prayed with oodles of people who’ve come forward after the pastor’s message. But there’s one role I’ve taken on (for lack of better wording) that gives me a deep sense of satisfaction. I receive no monetary payment and it’s ridiculously simple. So simple that you’d probably view it as quite lowly.
My church offers a lot of classes that equip people in different areas of life — spiritual growth, freedom & healing, finances, etc — and I check people in. That’s right, I stand at the door with an iPad and greet each attendee, checking off their names, and making small talk.
No applause, no stardom, no pay, just an iPad, which I have to give back at the end of class. Did I mention I’m an introvert? So I’ve often asked myself, “Why such a deep satisfaction?” As in, I cannot wait to get to my post!
Genuine interest can change a life
Have you ever greeted someone wholeheartedly and then sensed God’s pleasure in the wake of your genuine reception? May the following spiritual principle enlighten you as it did me.
“Whoever welcomes a little child in my name welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me welcomes not only me, but the one who sent me.”
Mark 9:37 emphasis added
When I read this passage, Holy Spirit prompted me to dive into the word “welcome.” When the Spirit prompts, always go, because the Father is waiting to reward you.
In a nutshell, to welcome, déxomai, describes a high level of self-involvement and interest when welcoming-receiving. (Strongs Concordance)
Welcoming is more than just civil custom, and it was never man’s idea. This is a God principle — He initiates; we respond. And He loves it when we imitate Him.
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Truth:
God welcomes YOU out of a high level of Self-involvement and Interest.
The Lord who made Heaven and Earth is deeply interested in you. He knows your name, your concerns, your past and future. He desires to be personally and intimately involved in your life. He welcomes you into His arms, welcomes you into His thoughts, and welcomes you into His heart, welcomes you into His Kingdom business. Never flippant, He always greets you with all His heart and mind. You could say He is all in. Are you?
“Whoever welcomes a little child welcomes not only [Jesus] but the one who sent Me.” Would this make the inverse true also? When we deliberately ignore or disregard someone, we are ignoring both Jesus and the Father. Talk about perspective! Has the 2020 plandemic succeeded in smothering this principle? Do we need to resurrect it or perhaps make it a new habit?
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God rewards obedience to His word
If God’s ways are higher than our ways, I’d say this is one we don’t need to fully understand how it works or the effect it has on another person in order to put it into action, immediately. Just believe what Jesus said. If you could make even a small difference in someone’s life right now, wouldn’t it be worth your effort?
Ready to feel His pleasure?
You’re welcome!
Father in Heaven, thank You for welcoming me with all Your heart. Forgive me for the times I’ve ignored the people you’ve brought across my path. I ask You to impart Your welcoming spirit to me so I can imitate the example Your Son set for His followers. In Jesus’s name. Amen
Sowing Seeds of Bravery to Welcome People TODAY
