Warm & Wonderful Welcome

Verse

Acts 21:17
“When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us warmly.”

1 Thessalonians 1:9
“For they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.”

Reflection

Today, the Holy Spirit drew my attention twice to the same sacred theme: welcome. Not strategy. Not productivity. Not correctness. But warmth. Reception. Presence.

In Acts 21, Paul arrives in Jerusalem weary from travel and conflict. Before instruction or debate, the first recorded response is simple and profound: the brothers welcomed him warmly. The atmosphere mattered before the agenda.

In 1 Thessalonians 1, Paul reminds the believers that others are still talking about them. Not first about their doctrine or discipline, but about their wonderful welcome. That welcome became part of their testimony. Only after that does Paul mention their turning from idols to serve the living and true God.

The order is important. Welcome comes first. Turning follows.

Scripture quietly reveals a pattern. People are rarely transformed by pressure or argument. They are transformed when they experience a love that feels safe, attentive, and true. A warm and wonderful welcome creates space for hearts to open and for truth to be received.

Welcome is not a side practice of faith. It is often the doorway.

Steps

A warm and wonderful welcome is not something to add to your to do list. It is a way of being you can practice daily.

1. Begin each morning by receiving yourself.
   Pray simply, Lord, I receive this day and myself as You receive me.

2. Practice a holy pause.
   Before responding to anyone, take one breath and silently ask, How can I receive this person rather than manage them?

3. Welcome with your body first.
   Slow your movements. Make eye contact. Turn fully toward the person in front of you.

4. Lead with curiosity.
   Replace assumptions with gentle questions. Listen without rushing to fix or correct.

5. Offer belonging before direction.
   Whether leading, parenting, or correcting, silently communicate, You are safe here.

6. Practice micro welcomes.
   Put your phone down. Say someone’s name. Acknowledge effort. Thank people for showing up.

7. Close the day with grace.
   Reflect without judgment and entrust missed moments to God.

Journal

• Where did I notice myself offering a warm welcome today, even in a small way?

• Where did I feel rushed, guarded, or more focused on outcomes than people?

• What might change if I practiced welcome as a spiritual discipline rather than a personality trait?

• Who in my daily life might God be inviting me to receive more attentively in the coming year?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
You welcome me with patience, mercy, and joy.
Teach me to welcome others the same way.

Slow my pace.
Soften my tone.
Open my heart.

May my presence become a doorway,
my listening a refuge,
and my love a quiet invitation
for others to turn toward You.

In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen.