Inviting Others into the Family

 Read Ephesians 2:1-12

For today’s devotional thought, Bernard shared about his experience at Eastbrook’s food pantry. Many times when we think about reaching out, we think it is a matter of using reason or persuasion. What if we looked at it through the lens that Bernard did in this video: inviting people into the family. 

It can sound like an easy concept, but think about the last time you allowed your worlds to intersect. To invite work or other friends to join a gathering of our church family, whether on a Sunday or in your home. Many of the barriers that people have to faith are in fact misperceptions and the best way to address those is not to argue, but to allow them to be a part of our church family’s community.

Also, think about how you serve in the community. Have you created a perception that there are two groups of people: those who help, and those who are helped? Think about Bernard’s story when he blurred the lines, and allowed someone to belong to community and not simply receive from the community.

Read Ephesians 2:1-12 and reflect on these thoughts. Spend time with God exploring how you can invite others into our church family.

Use this devotional as an opportunity to host a conversation with your friends, family, neighbors or small group. After watching today’s video post on eastbrook.org/devotionals/werefamily, use these steps to discuss the Bible passage for today:

• One person reads the Bible passage out loud while everyone else follows along.
• Each person take a turn restating the passage in their own words.
• Read the passage again.
• Have each person answer these questions:
  • “What does this tell me about God?”
  • “What does this tell me about me?”
  • “What does this tell me I ought to do?”
• Have each person share who they know that they will share this with.

by Bernard Suide