The Visitor

You are the world's light - a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14-16 (TLB)

Irene Robinson lives in Gauteng, South Africa. Their home church recently decided to become a friendlier place for visitors. As a result, one of their members saw a man on his own whom she did not recognize, began a conversation with him, and introduced him to her circle of friends. This hospitality took some courage from their member, who normally only chats with those she knows. But when it was time to leave, the visitor said to her, "I came to church today feeling quite lonely and lost. I was so relieved when you started to talk to me. You have been my angel today." How good is that! This woman spread the love of Jesus by making the visitor feel valued and loved through simple conversation.

Irene believes Christians and churches should be the friendliest people and places on earth, but often we are not that welcoming. We tend to sit with our family and friends during the church services and mostly talk with those we know afterward. However, when we commit to welcoming new people and sharing the love we have experienced in Christ, we can show others that they are loved and valued by God.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to value others, especially strangers. May we show people your love by the way we value them, in Jesus' name. Amen.