Join Before You Invite

Too many people live their lives on the fringes. Their way of living or believing has left them marginalized, rejected by the mainstream of starched-shirt do-gooders. They may share the company of other outcasts, but they’re otherwise entirely alone.

Jesus spent far more time seeking to include those on the fringes than those in the mainstream. He never compromised who He was, but He understood that living rightly starts with loving others deeply and without condition.

In reaching out to the outcast, you’ll come to understand what that really means. You will remember that neither of you is deserving of God’s love. God loves the outcast as much as He loves you.

But remember to join before you invite. Jesus joined people on the fringes before He ever offered God’s acceptance. Join them where they are and in your mutual need for God. Then your invitation will ring all the more true.

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” —Luke 6:36

From the book