When we pray the "Our Father" we pray as beloved children of God who belong to a family where everyone is an "insider". No one should be treated like an "outsider" in church. We all belong to the One who loves us deeply, and whose forgiveness and compassion have no end. God is the One who makes us holy by virtue of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
Describe a time when you felt like you belonged in church. Who helped you feel welcomed, accepted, and deeply loved and appreciated?
I think I felt the most welcomed and loved at church when I was a child. I remember being made to feel important, in almost an honored place - loved deeply by God and the adults around us. I felt that despite all of the change, losses and triumphs we all underwent growing up, that the halls of the church would be a place where we could be whoever we were on any given day - and that we would always be accepted and loved. That was very powerful. The faith-filled hearts and actions of the adults left an indelible impression on me, as well. The ways they behaved showed me all I needed to know about what was important in life - loving God and the world around us. The song "Jesus Loves Me" and all of the other sweet songs I was taught about God's love still course through me to this very day. I am very grateful to the loving people and church of my youth.
Posted by: Kerry Forsythe - Grace | 03/01/2010 at 10:46 PM