You know that awkward moment when you’re scrolling through social media and see a couple of your closest friends at the movies, playing golf, or catching some rays at the beach— without you? It wouldn’t be so awkward if you hadn’t already asked what they were doing, only to hear they were “too busy” with other plans. Brutal!
We’ve all been excluded at some point. Or better yet, we’ve excluded someone ourselves.
We can agree it’s uncomfortable to be left out. Sometimes, it’s downright painful. No one likes it. We’ve all experienced it and, honestly, we’ve all done it.
Recently, someone told me, “Pastor, my friend circle always leaves me out. Maybe we’re not as close as I thought?” They might be right.
Here’s the truth: everyone wants to be loved and included. That’s how God made us. We are designed to live in community. We need connection to thrive.
But here’s the problem: we tend to spend our time with the people we like best or share the most in common with. Do you know what that’s called? It’s called a clique.
Let me ask you— are you leaving out people who need community? Jesus had some pretty direct words about our tendency to exclude others.
He said, “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet, don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.” (Luke 14:12-14)
Jesus teaches us to move beyond our comfort zone. Including people on the fringe is godly and a sign of spiritual maturity.
It’s easy to include only those we love and who love us in return. Big deal. That’s not impressing God.
Jesus also said, “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much!” (Luke 6:32-36)
Here’s my challenge for you: the next time you plan something, take Jesus’ advice. Invite someone on the fringe—someone you’ve been leaving out. Even those who may rub you the wrong way.
Including others is godly. And if you want to show the true love of Christ, you live by these verses.
Click here to LISTEN to our latest message: iTunes – Google – Spotify
