Making Room for One Another
In Romans 12:9-13, Paul describes a shared life shaped by sincere love, prayer, generosity, and hospitality. These practices grow out of the renewal he describes earlier in the chapter: offering ourselves to God, having our minds renewed, and learning to discern his will. That renewal reshapes how we understand ourselves and one another. We learn humility, recognize that we belong to one another as members of Christ’s body, and offer our gifts and service. Sincere love and hospitality are fruit of this renewed life, the life we receive in Christ taking shape in how we attend to one another, share what we have, and make room for others.
Hospitality includes a meal, an invitation, or a place at the table. It also asks for our attention, it is a call to “notice,’ to slow down to hear how someone really is, to notice the person standing alone, to remember the one grieving, or to allow another person’s need to interrupt our plans. Our lives are full, even with good and necessary work, but we can miss the person who is right beside us.
When we look at Jesus, we see him receiving people, hearing their cries, sharing meals, and drawing near to those others overlooked. His welcome restores dignity and opens the way into new life. This is the Christ who welcomes us as we gather around scripture, prayer, worship, and his table. By the Spirit, the grace we receive shapes the welcome we extend.
At Church of the King, this is something I want us to keep learning together. Who has room in our lives? Who might we be overlooking? How might our shared life open outward toward our neighbor? As we ask the Holy Spirit to help us notice and respond, may the life of Christ become more recognizable among us.
Rooted in Christ.
Shaped by Scripture.
Nourished at the Table.
Alive in the Spirit.
Read more...