“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” –Matthew 28:19–20 (NIV)

It’s Just a Meal

Born and raised in a strong Christian home, Micah spent most of her life involved in church until she moved away at the age of 18. Over the next seven years, she drifted away from church because she just couldn’t find one that felt like “home.” Shortly after she turned 25, Micah experienced some life circumstances that caused her to realize she desperately needed a radical change in her life, and her hunger for God began to intensify.

She visited a few churches near her home, but she felt isolated and alone when she went. One Sunday morning, Micah decided to check out Gateway—a local church that some of her friends had recommended. Micah found an empty seat near the front and patiently waited for the service to start. Mike and Karen Maddox, along with their three kids, sat down in the seats next to her and quickly struck up a conversation with her.

A Simple Invitation

The service began, and Micah found herself drawn in and engaged by the worship and message. When the invitation came at the end, Micah slipped out of her seat, made her way down to the front, and waited for someone to pray with her. To her surprise, Karen came down to the front as well and asked Micah if she could pray with her. After they finished praying, Karen turned to Micah and asked, “If you don’t have any plans after church, why don’t you come over to our house and have lunch with us?” Micah gladly accepted the offer and went over to the Maddoxes’ home that afternoon. Mike and Karen made Micah feel like part of the family. 

Dependent on God

Although she thoroughly enjoyed the service and her time with the Maddox family, Micah didn’t go back to church until she lost her job nine months later. That experience completely rocked her world, and Micah realized only God could help her now. The next Sunday, she went back to the church where she first met the Maddoxes. At that service, Micah made the decision to relinquish control of her life to God and depend solely on Him.

Micah quickly became a member of Gateway and joined the small group hosted by the Maddoxes. The group prayed for Micah’s job situation, and soon, she got a job as a graphic designer at the church. After being a recipient of the Maddoxes’ example of kindness and hospitality, Micah has since opened her own home to host a group for young single ladies—all because of one family’s sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading to extend kindness and a lunch invitation to a young woman.

How Difficult Can it Be?

God is calling each of us to “go.” And “going” doesn’t just mean packing up everything you own and moving overseas to minister to tribes in the jungle. In fact, one of the most effective ways to minister is simply going out of your way to invite people over for dinner. Everyone has to eat at some point in time, right?

How hard is it to walk up to someone and say: “Hey, would you want to come over to my house and have dinner with my family after church?” or “Let me buy you coffee this week!”? It’s really that easy, and it’s always worth it!

God wants us to reach others through our relationships with them. What better place to start than around the dinner table?

What does this mean for me?

Who is God placing on your heart to invite to the table? Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to bring someone to mind. Is it a neighbor, a coworker, a classmate, a fellow parent from your child’s school or sports team? The opportunities to extend friendship are endless! This week, invite that person to share a meal. Approach the conversation with a heart that listens, eager to know them and their story. Jesus is our Friend, and as His followers, we have the beautiful privilege of reflecting His love by being a friend to others.

This article is part of the Let’s Go devotional, which is focused on fulfilling Jesus’ Great Commission. Follow along with the devotional here.