Coffee with Joy

Belonging.  Identity.  Acceptance.  We all want to be known.  Some people strive for this feeling of being known by trying to fit in.  Some go against the cultural norms and mask their search for belonging. Sometimes they join a counterculture movement, such as the hippie movement of the 1960’s, on a search for belonging, as portrayed by The Jesus Revolution Movie.  “There is an entire generation searching for God…” (The Jesus Revolution Movie, 2023).  There is still an entire generation searching for God.  Most humans today are looking for belonging.  We see it manifested in a mental health crisis and identity issues in young people.

Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” (John 7:37, ESV)  Anyone.  No conditions attached.  When Jesus was on earth, He surprised most of the religious people of His day by eating with the tax collectors and sinners.  Jesus surprised them by being kind to the adulteress and prostitute.  Jesus gave everyone a place to belong.  Everyone.  No matter their past, no matter their sexual orientation.  Everyone.  

When Jesus ascended into heaven on Pentecost, He bequeathed the world with the church.  This can be an encouragement, but can also be disconcerting at times.  Jesus has given the church the task of bringing in all who are thirsty, all who are looking for belonging.  The church is all they have, and if they don’t find what they are looking for within the church, if they are rejected, they will look elsewhere.  Today, most are looking for belonging elsewhere.  We talk and pray about revival, but are our doors truly open to those who are searching?  And if we do open our doors, will they come?

Church, what are we doing to create a culture of belonging?  Is there anything we do that is eliminating anyone from freely entering the House of God at all times?  Are our doors always open?  Are my family and I creating a culture of belonging in our home and are we letting people in who are not like us?

May our churches bust at the seams with those who are searching for belonging.  May the church open its doors unconditionally, without limit or restriction.  May I open my home to those not like me.  May they come and may they stay. 

Photos By: Graceful Moments Photography