We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. 1 John 4:19-21
As believers, how we live our lives should be contagious to others. Culture should notice how we live free and be curious about what drives this freedom. Unfortunately, many of us live as if following Jesus excludes us from having any fun. Rather than inviting everyone to the party, we act like bouncers, checking the credentials of anyone who dares enter our space. We live as if there is some exclusive VIP section where only particular individuals are allowed behind the velvet rope.
If we're honest with ourselves, Christians are more often known for being party poppers rather than party starters. The closer we get to walking with Jesus, the easier it is to have smaller tables and bigger walls. If we're not careful, our tables can shrink all in the name of godliness and holiness. When we respond this way, we break God's heart and show a lack of understanding of the power the Gospel message holds.
We act like everyone is not invited to the party, but they are. Everyone has received an invitation. Jesus doesn't segregate; He integrates. Instead of building a wall, Jesus is calling us to make a bigger table. Loving God affects how we love others. Loving others also affects how we love God. Being a party starter is part of our DNA as Christ-followers. Having experienced the love of Christ firsthand, we have been set free, and that is a reason to celebrate.
Jesus went to parties, told stories about parties, and compared God's Kingdom to a party. Jesus loved parties because He loved people. He understood that something happens at a party that can't happen anywhere else. It's as if Jesus is saying, "Sometimes it takes a party."
Sometimes it takes a party to change how we see each other. Sometimes it takes a party to demonstrate that God cares about people who party. Sometimes it takes a party to confirm God can always forgive us. Sometimes it takes a party to prove that people matter more than opinions. Sometimes it takes a party to remind us that everyone gets an invitation to the party.
Parties should be our priority. A party is any effort to celebrate, serve, or enjoy each other in a way that adds value to life. Our interactions with others should leave a positive impact. Every time we gather people together is an act of worship because we demonstrate how God cares and loves. Every table is an altar. There has never been a more critical time in history than right now to start acting like we believe everyone is invited to the party.
If we don't learn to love and serve, the church's power diminishes. But, what if we started acting like everyone belonged at the party? A party is any effort to celebrate, serve, or enjoy each other in a way that adds value. How can you be a party starter today?
Prayer: Father God, let me celebrate how I've been set free. But, amid this celebration, may I remember You are asking me to share and express to others the same hope I've experienced. So, let me invite everyone to the table so I can pursue understanding, hear their story and share the love of Christ with them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
