Arriving with Love
Today’s devotional
Before an agenda begins, a gathering has already taken a tone. Someone is greeted by name. Another person waits while a screen holds everyone’s attention. A late arrival is received with patience or embarrassment. These small exchanges tell people what kind of participation may be possible. Our arrival is part of the work of love.
On the road to Emmaus, the risen Jesus draws near to two discouraged travelers and asks about their conversation. He allows them to speak about what they had hoped and what they cannot understand. The encounter will include teaching and recognition, but it begins with the Lord accompanying people within their bewilderment. His question gives their sorrow room to be heard.
Colossians describes a community clothed in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These qualities shape how truth is offered and how differences are carried. They belong within real relationships, where people arrive tired, uncertain, or distracted. A loving presence can include a clear decision or a difficult conversation while refusing to make another person an obstacle to efficiency.
You cannot guarantee how a room will feel, and you do not need to perform serenity. You can offer your attention more deliberately. Set down the device, learn a name, explain what will happen, or acknowledge a concern before moving forward. When you arrive hurriedly, a brief admission can help you begin again. Ask Christ to form the manner in which you carry your responsibilities. The next person you meet may need no grand gesture. They may need to discover that someone has time to notice them.
Adapted from Chapter 4: Presence Before Practice in The Formative Gift of Gathering by Dr. R. C. Titus.
Read the Scripture
Open each passage and read slowly. Notice what these words reveal about God and the life before you.
Luke 24:13-19 · WEBU
13Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem.
14They talked with each other about all of these things which had happened.
15While they talked and questioned together, Jesus himself came near, and went with them.
16But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.
17He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk, and are sad?”
18One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things which have happened there in these days?”
19He said to them, “What things?” They said to him, “The things concerning Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people;
Colossians 3:12-15 · WEBU
12Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance;
13bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.
14Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.
15And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.
Pause and respond
For reflection
What does the way I arrive communicate to the people who are already there?
A practice for today
At your next arrival, offer one unhurried greeting or practical act of welcome before turning to the task. Notice who may need an explanation, introduction, or invitation to participate.
A prayer
Risen Jesus, you draw near to people in their unfinished understanding. Teach me to arrive with compassion and truthful attention. Help me carry my responsibilities without overlooking the people within them. Let your gentleness shape my tone, my pace, and my willingness to listen today. Amen.
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