Romans 15:7 — Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
There are moments in life that feel a lot like middle school all over again.
I remember it was my first week at a new job at a team building celebration, and the boss cheerfully announced, “Find a group of four people!”
Oh no.
I was the new girl, and the room was already buzzing as coworkers formed their groups.
My heart sank in that way it used to on the elementary school playground, watching captains pick teams for kickball. I felt again like the pre-teen wanting to sit at the cool table or like high-school Bri just hoping someone might nominate me for homecoming court.
It’s strange how those old feelings follow you into adulthood, and because I was a grown woman, I did what grown women sometimes do. I sat out.
I called it “observing,” but the simple truth was that I was afraid of feeling overlooked and rejected.
But then, someone came looking for me. With a warm smile she said, “Come be on our team.” And suddenly the story I was telling myself unraveled. I was not invisible. No, I was wanted.
Before, I had been so convinced that I would be “last picked” that I almost missed connecting with my new coworkers and making fun memories.
Friend, if you remember anything today, remember this. Insecurity is a thief, and the enemy wants to use it to play tricks on you. I think as adults we want to feel wanted just as much as we always did. We want the to be wanted and not just tolerated.
But here is the truth. Not only does God want you, He actually made you for connection. “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” — Romans 15:7
And friend, there are people who truly want you around. And even more, you can be one of those people for somebody else. After all, life is meant to be a team building celebration.
Don’t just wait to be invited—cross the room, offer the smile, and be the one who saves a seat for someone else.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
- When was the last time you felt “on the outside,” and how did God remind you that you are seen and wanted?
- Who might need you to cross the room today — to smile, include, or invite them in?
- How does remembering the way Christ welcomed you change the way you welcome others?