Relentless Welcome — Making Space for the Stranger
Big Idea:
Relentless Welcome is the unwavering posture of Christlike hospitality that pursues the outsider, embraces the stranger, and makes space for every person to belong—regardless of background, brokenness, or belief.
The Foundation for Relentless Welcome: The Incarnation of Jesus
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:1–8, ESV)
The radical welcome of God begins with Jesus stepping into our world. The eternal Son did not just send welcome; He became it. He didn’t wait for people to find Him; He came near, embodied love, and made room for us in His Kingdom.
Theological Insight:
- Jesus didn’t just invite us into His life—He entered ours.
- True hospitality doesn’t wait; it moves. It sacrifices. It stoops.
5 Rhythms Connection – Inside Out Change:
- This mindset is “yours Christ Jesus.”
- Relentless Welcome begins with a transformation of heart and identity.
Every Person Is Worthy of Welcome
“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,” (Matthew 18:5, ESV)
“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”” (Luke 15:1–2, ESV)
“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7, ESV)
Every person you encounter carries the image of God. No one is disposable. Everyone is a potential brother or sister in the family of God.
5 Rhythms Connection – Relentless Welcome:
- This rhythm calls us to see people with Spirit-led eyes.
- It's not about agreement or comfort—it's about value and invitation.
Illustration: Jesus didn’t just welcome the “easy to love.” He welcomed lepers, tax collectors, prostitutes, and zealots.
Challenge: Who is hard for you to welcome? Who have you written off?
Relentless Welcome Happens on the Way
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:19–20, ESV)
“Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”” (Acts 8:26–29, ESV)
Philip was on his way somewhere else when God interrupted him with someone in need of welcome, truth, and belonging.
5 Rhythms Connection – Missional Impact:
- The mission of God is not just for pastors or programs.
- It’s for every disciple, in every space, every day.
Illustration: A Spirit-prompted moment at the grocery store could be the spark of welcome.
Application Question: Where are you going this week? Who’s on the side of the road?
Relentless Welcome is Strategic
“For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “ ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”” (Acts 13:47, ESV)
Paul had was sent to “unbelievers” AND those who were from a very different culture.
This is not passive kindness. It’s intentional welcome.
5 Rhythms Connection – Authentic Relationships:
- You don’t drift into Kingdom relationships—you build them.
- Go beyond your comfort zone and build friendships with people who don't look, think, or live like you.
Illustration: Jesus went to Zacchaeus’ house—intentional and inconvenient.
Application Question: Who is on the outside of your circle? What’s one step you can take to close the gap?
Barriers to Relentless Welcome
- Comfort: It’s easier to be with people like me.
- Fear: What if they reject me?
- Time: My schedule is already full.
- Heart: Are people worth it?
5 Rhythms Connection – Naturally Supernatural:
- Relentless Welcome is Spirit-empowered hospitality.
- The Holy Spirit gives us power to break past fear, routine, and selfishness.
Illustration: The Good Samaritan stopped. Compassion will always cost something.
Reflection Question: What’s the main barrier for you? Ask the Spirit to reveal it—and help you surrender it.
The Cross is the Ultimate Picture of Relentless Welcome
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.” (2 Corinthians 5:20–6:1, ESV)
At the Cross, Jesus absorbed our rejection so we could be welcomed into God’s family. Now, we are the ambassadors of that welcome.
5 Rhythms Connection – Cultivating Kingdom Community: - A Kingdom Community isn’t just friendly—it’s sacrificial. - It gives of itself to embody the welcome of God in Christ.
Illustration: The veil was torn—barriers removed. What barriers can we tear down?
Communion Tie-In: When we receive communion, we remember the moment God made room at His table—for you and me.
Conclusion:
Relentless Welcome isn’t a program. It’s not an event. It’s a way of life shaped by the person of Jesus.