One of my favorite churches started as a ministry to former prisoners, helping them re-enter society. It is now a vibrant church made up of all walks of life. I love going to this community because it reminds me of the future picture of heaven. In God’s Kingdom, there will be many different people united by the love of Jesus Christ.

But sometimes I wonder if our churches are becoming more like exclusive clubs than havens for forgiven sinners. When people, out of a natural tendency to seek out others like themselves, form groups of those who are comfortable with each other, others begin to feel neglected, superfluous. But that is not what Jesus meant when he commanded his followers to love one another as he loved them ( John 15:12 ). The church of Christ should be a place where people give love to all and receive from all.

When wounded, neglected people find love, shelter, comfort, and forgiveness in Jesus, they expect no less from the church. So let us show Jesus’ love to everyone we meet—especially those who are different from us. Christ wants us to love all the people around us. What joy it is when different people come together in love and worship. It is a piece of heaven that we can enjoy right here on earth!