So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” – 2 Corinthians 5:20
The Bible tells us that we are ambassadors of Christ, which in fact makes our home an embassy to those needing an encounter with Christ! As ambassadors of the Kingdom, we are to welcome visitors, whether announced or unannounced like if they are a gift from God (which they are). Our greetings should be genuine, from the heart. When our visitors walk through that front door they should feel like this just walked into a place of refuge.
WHEN HOSPITALITY ISN’T YOUR THING
Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! – Hebrews 13:2
Meet new people and invite them home. Yes, I completely understand the fact that we can’t invite just anyone into our homes, especially if we have children. But it really is good to meet new people and cultivate relationships with them. Not only is it good for you, but it’s good for them. Sometimes, all it takes for someone who is new in this walk, to see how you live behind closed doors to decide they want a little of what you have.
Its ok to be careful, but it’s a great feeling when someone you are just getting to know, leaves your home with a smile and a positive outlook on who you are in Christ. Remember, this is all about bringing people into the light of Jesus. And that light needs to be showed through your home!
HAVE AN OPEN DOOR POLICY
Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. – 1 Peter 3:15
Funny story: I’ve never been a person to have big gatherings in ours homes – I wasn’t raised that way and I carried that into adulthood. My husband and I never hosted any gatherings when we lived in our apartments. So with moving into this house, I told my husband that we wouldn’t have any gatherings here either. Our front door doesn’t have a peep hole but our office window faces our front yard, so I told my husband that if someone ever rang the doorbell without calling us first to see if we were available, I would literally stand at the front window and just stare at them until they slowly walked away, lol. Kind of creepy, I know, but it was a joke, kind of. This story is literally what made this reading plan speak to me. Because it was taking me out of my comfort zone as I read it.
Like I mentioned before: we are to welcome visitors, whether announced or unannounced. Why only welcome someone into your home when it’s planned? Yes, it’s good to plan gatherings with your family and friends but through those unannounced visits, God can move in tremendous ways. You never know if that unannounced visit is so God can work through you to speak life to the person who walks through your door.
USE YOUR HOME FOR INFLUENCE
They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity. – Acts 2:46
Positive influence, of course! Our homes should be a place of gathering outside of the churchs four walls…
My husband and I talked about how we wanted to incorporate the Kingdom of God into our home recently and one thing we want to do is prayer services. Prayer is so important and to have that moment of prayer and worship in your home holds so much power in it . Maybe you’re not into doing prayer services at home, but think of other ways your home can be of positive influence.
When inviting friends over, make sure the setting is positive. It starts with you. Keep out any negative comments or gossip. Let it be a peaceful gathering!
DECORATE WITH MEANINGFUL TRUTH
Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. – Deuteronomy 6:9
I love to decorate my home. I’m always on Pinterest, searching up different ideas for the living room and the kitchen, so when I seen this was part of how my home can be an embassy, I loved it! One thing my husband always tells me is that he wants Bible verses posted around the house. Some might think it’s corny or cheesy, but if you think about it, its speaking life into your home. And it might even speak life to one of your visitors. Imagine the impact the word of God can have on someone needing to hear a word of encouragement, and to see it posted on your living room wall might be exactly the inspiration or encouragement they needed. Without saying a word, you just sowed something beautiful in your guest!
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