The small diner is just a half block from one of our town’s Catholic churches. This morning the parish priest was in the diner when the bell began to ring announcing it was time for mass to begin. Hurrying to the door he ran into two of our friends. One would have expected him to rush on by to get to the church on time; however, he stopped and very politely greeted the two in his way. Only then did he take off running for his service. Life works so much better when we take the time to be polite and thoughtful.
Paul wrote to the Romans, “Be inventive in hospitality.” Romans 12 through 14 is filled with wonderful counsel regarding human relations. In chapter 12 he talks about loving deeply and practicing “playing second fiddle.” In 13 he speaks of our responsibility to be good citizens. In chapter 14 he says, “Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do.” That’s just not natural. However, with God’s help we can do the unnatural. See The Message paraphrase.
The way we treat others is so important. It is the hallmark of Christianity. Jesus said, “Men will know you are my disciples if you love one another.” I have a theory. If people discovered your church as a safe place where they were not criticized but be lovingly accepted I think the pews would fill very quickly. People are hungry to be loved. Next weekend when you, if you, go to church find a way to see something beautiful in everyone there. There it is again, Romans 12. I am interested that this was written by a man who was beaten, stoned, exiled and executed.
Written by Roger Bothwell on January 25, 2010
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org