The Daily Devotional
Monday, August 12, 2024
Sweet Words and Open Doors
Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” (Mark 9:37)
Introduction
Psalm 119:103 reads, "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" This verse invites us to savor the delightful nature of God's Word as we would a delicious treat. But this enjoyment doesn't just stop with us—it extends to how we express and embody these words in our daily lives, transforming our homes into true places of welcome.
Reflection
As I browsed the selection of doormats, each one seemed to offer a different greeting, from cheerful hellos to the warmth of a simple "Home." The one that finally made it to my doorstep was a classic "Welcome." This simple word led me to a deeper introspection: Does my home truly reflect the sweetness and openness of the words I cherish from the Scriptures?
God's words are not merely to be enjoyed in solitude but lived out in active hospitality and openness toward others. Just as honey adds sweetness to our palate, God’s words should sweeten our interactions and our approach to hospitality. They call us to be welcoming not just in written words on a doormat but in the genuine spirit of our home.
Application
Reflect on the last time you opened your door to someone unexpectedly. Was it with a sigh or a smile? Did you feel disrupted or delighted? Being truly welcoming means preparing our hearts to receive others just as eagerly as we would receive Christ himself. It means our homes are places where a schoolchild, a neighbor, or a sudden family visit can feel the warmth of genuine care and hospitality.
Conclusion
In a world where doors often close more than they open, let us be the ones to make our thresholds places of genuine encounter and joy. The true measure of our hospitality lies not in the grandeur of our homes but in the readiness of our hearts to serve and embrace others as extensions of our family.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, let Your sweet words permeate my life and my home. Help me to cherish Your teachings and embody them in the way I welcome and interact with everyone who crosses my doorstep. May my home be a reflection of Your love and a haven of hospitality. Teach me to serve joyfully and to open my doors with a spirit of kindness and generosity. In Your holy name, I pray, Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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