This "sun inside" is evidence of the Holy Spirit. It's present in all of us. It shines brighter in some than others because the society we live in encourages it in some and discourages it in others or because some people have one gift of the Holy Spirit and others have another---but everyone has a sun inside them, everyone has a gift.
United Methodists are likely to sing Charles Wesley’s “Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast” sometime during Lent, the weeks leading up to Easter. The hymn invites everyone to receive new life in Jesus Christ.
Some people have a spiritual gift for making others feel welcome. Gifted parents make their sons and daughters’ fiancées feel part of the family on their first Easter together. Generous students and welcoming coworkers eat lunch with those who are new. Kind church members alleviate the anxiety of parents of squirming kids by offering a warm smile from across the row.
Jesus demonstrated the ability to turn a stranger into a friend. He ate with those whom others kept at arm’s length; chose a tax collector as part of his inner circle; and made Samaritans heroes in his stories. Jesus invited all to follow him, regardless of their personal history or social standing.
Brother Elijah Collins preaches in Pilgrim, KY. on why going to church matters. Not all of my friends will appreciate this. It's back-home and down-home preaching. I'm including it because I know that many of us are helped by this. Do I agree with everything here? No, I do not. Do I think that there is positivity here, that it's inspired teaching and preaching, and that it speaks to many working-class people? Yes, I do. Please listen in and think about where Brother Elijah Collins talks about helping strangers and being Jesus to someone today.
