I said, “I have to go to church
Where I can find the God I need.”
He said, “You are the church
And I am here with you.”
He said, “Everyone you meet
And everywhere you meet is church
Honor everyone, everywhere, every time you meet.”

How do you respond when you are called names that are not yours? What do you do when people tag on you labels that don’t speak to the truth of who you are? Continuing with the story of 1 Samuel 1, Hannah should have been offended at being called a drunk when she had touched none. She is entitled to anger and to giving a piece of her mind to the person, irrespective of their position, that called her what she was not. She could have walked away that day after that embarrassing encounter with the preacher, choosing to die with her heaviness than ever set foot again in a place where she is labeled before she even gets a chance. That is the choice many have made and though driven out by the judgment of the church that should have nurtured them, they are still hunted by the condemnation of a people who feel “holier than thou.”

Many of the people we judge don’t know any better. Paul encouraged those who know to help those who don’t, not judge them, speaking the truth in love when it is necessary. Given where they are, they are turning up just as they are. Instead of welcoming arms, our legs are kicking them back into the dirt they came from because they are not like us. We conclude too quick that they don’t belong and though we are smiling, our attitudes are clear messages of judgment that drive them farther away.

We forget that the church is not for perfect people. It is the home for the helpless. The healing ground for the broken. The family for the lonely. A hiding place for the shamed and mocked and needy. It is the house of God where everyone is welcome just as they are. It is where the power of His Word gives life to the dead. It is where His presence permeates the impossible and transforms lives. It is where our lights shine so those in the dark are attracted, not repelled. It is where the reflection of our faith should endear people to our God and His calling. It is where people surrender because they have been won over by such great love that the Father showers on those that come to Him. Be it in a building or outside, we are the church. We embody the church. And when a picture of the faith we express is taken, what will others see? May God help us. Amen.

Blessings
Glory!