Wesleyan Rooted: Embrace Widely Devotional Guide
Day 1: Understanding Inclusivity in the Bible. Galatians 3:28
Reflect on the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom. Every person, regardless of their background, is embraced in the love of Christ. Think about the Bible stories that depict God’s inclusive heart.
- Which stories/teachings from the Bible most reflect the inclusive heart of God to you?
- Why do you think Jesus was so critical of judging others? (see Matthew 7:1-5)
Contemplate Galatians 3:28. Imagine your daily encounters through the lens of this scripture. Seek to see everyone as equal and loved by God. Spend 5 minutes in silence, meditating on this inclusivity.
Day 2: Embracing Prevenient Grace. Ephesians 2:8-9
Reflect on the concept of prevenient grace, the love of God that reaches out to us even before we choose Him. Think about how this grace calls us to embrace others widely, just as God has embraced us.
- How does prevenient grace relate to the United Methodist call to “embrace widely”?
- Who is it most difficult for you to “embrace” in your current context? How does the heart of Jesus call you to respond to them?
Meditate on Ephesians 2:8-9. Ask God to show you who in your life needs to be embraced widely. Spend 5 minutes in silence, listening for God’s guidance on showing this grace to others.
Day 3: The Mandate of the Gospel. Matthew 25:35-36
Reflect on Jesus’ teachings about hospitality and care for the marginalized. The Gospel message is clear in its mandate to embrace and care for all people.
- Does the Gospel of Jesus Christ have a mandate to “embrace widely”? Why or why not?
- What does the radical hospitality of Jesus teach about the ways we welcome others today?
Reflect on Matthew 25:35-36. Ask God how you can embody this radical hospitality in your life. Spend 5 minutes in silence, meditating on how you can welcome and care for those around you.
Day 4: Embracing Radical Hospitality. Romans 15:7
Think about the radical hospitality of Jesus. Reflect on how welcoming others as Christ has welcomed you glorifies God and builds community.
- What does the radical hospitality of Jesus teach about the ways we welcome others today?
- How can you implement this radical hospitality in your daily life?
Meditate on Romans 15:7. Consider volunteering as a greeter at your church or making a point to welcome people in your daily environment as if they were Christ himself. Spend 5 minutes in silence, asking God to give you a welcoming heart.
Day 5: Seeing the Image of God in Everyone. Matthew 7:12
Reflect on the Golden Rule and its call to treat others with the same dignity, respect, and kindness that we wish for ourselves. Embracing others widely is a reflection of seeing God’s image in every person.
- How can you practice empathy with someone that you don’t particularly like, agree with, or with whom you are in conflict?
- With the people you meet this week (family, friends, and strangers), how can you truly “see” the person who is in front of you?
Contemplate Matthew 7:12. Practice empathy by making an effort to connect with someone different from you and learn their story. Spend 5 minutes in silence, focusing on how you can honor the image of God in others.