Lifting Others

It is so important that we understand,

first of all,

that everyone's in a different place along the path

and that we develop an awareness

of the people that are around us.

I know people

who come to church every Sunday,

so that they can be inspired and uplifted

and who just simply walk away feeling judged

and unloved.

Unneeded.

Like

there is no place for them at church.

We need to do this differently.

We need to be deeply aware of what

the purpose of coming to church on Sunday is and

make sure that everyone who comes feels loved,

needed,

accepted,

and lifted.

Everybody

has struggles we don't even know about,

and it's so important

that we be aware

that everyone around us is loved of God

and that we need to see them through like Christ-like eyes.

And we cannot

allow judgment

to dictate

the way we interact with people.

It's just simply not right.

I feel that the Lord places us where we are

and

connects us with the people around us for a purpose

because it's not only about our own progression, but about helping others progress.

And I've come to recognize that we are placed where

we are so that we can love and lift others.

We just cannot be

or even call ourselves a disciple of Christ

if we are not helping others along that path.

The gospel of Jesus Christ

does not marginalize people.

People marginalize people.

And we have to fix that.

We need to be sensitive

and love them and allow them the opportunity to grow and to blossom

and to be their best selves.

They have talents and abilities and personality

that is needed in the kingdom of God.

And if we're going to build the kingdom of God on the earth,

we need everyone to come,

to come and do their part.

And we need to recognize that.

When anyone's shadow darkens the door of a chapel,

they ought to feel immediately embraced

and loved

and lifted and inspired to when they walk out that door

to go and be better because they know the Lord

loves them and because they have friends in their faith.