Christ's followers are called to live an "inclusive" lifestyle. By this I mean that we are instructed in God's Word to reach out to those who might not be accepted by others. But we get so comfortable with our church friends that we may feel it's too much to ask.

In The Covenant Home Altar, Erika Carney wrote, "When I was growing up, my mom was deeply involved with the various activities I participated in. She would often tell me, 'Make sure Heather feels included,' or 'Ask Julie to be your partner,' or 'Invite Kristen to sit with you and your friends.' I sometimes dreaded hearing those words. What if I just wanted to be with my friends? Why should I have to make sure that other people were having fun?"

Erika's mother was teaching her daughter to obey the principle taught in Romans 15:7. We are to welcome and accept Christians who may not feel comfortable in our particular group.

Some people are excluded because they are withdrawn, angry, or defensive, or because they seem strange or demanding. But these things shouldn't matter. We are to receive fellow believers "just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God" (v.7).  — David C. Egner