Welcoming And Including Is A Spiritual Practice

Rev. Erik Swanson
June 28, 2026

Over the past week I found myself fascinated by watching world leaders greet one another before important meetings. Their handshakes, hugs, kisses, formal ceremonies, and even the occasional cold shoulder all seemed to communicate something before a single word of negotiation was spoken. Some moments felt carefully choreographed, while others seemed deeply genuine. It reminded me that the way we welcome one another matters. Closer to home, I hope everyone who is visits Westhope experiences that same kind of genuine welcome, because being welcomed shapes how we experience a community.

Welcoming Is A Spiritual Practice

I've come to believe that welcoming others is much more than simple hospitality — it is a deeply spiritual practice. Years ago, I spent time in a monastery in France where welcoming guests was treated as one of the community's highest callings. At first, I thought the monks were almost obsessive about it. Every visitor checked in through the welcome house, and the monks constantly talked about how people were being received. Eventually I understood why. People arrived carrying fear, curiosity, hope, or a longing to encounter God. A warm welcome often became the doorway to a meaningful spiritual experience. Welcoming someone wasn't merely saying hello; it was honoring their journey and recognizing the presence of God within them.

Welcoming Changes Us Too

When we truly welcome another person, something changes within us as well. Our hearts become more open, our defenses soften, and we become more receptive to the life God places before us. We are reminded that welcoming others strengthens our sense of community. It brings us together and helps us experience God's presence among us. Jesus reminds us that "where two or three are gathered," God is present, and I believe that presence is magnified when we intentionally welcome one another instead of remaining isolated in our own circles.

Real Hospitality Requires Action

Of course, authentic welcome requires more than kind words. Many communities claim to be welcoming, yet only allow certain people into positions of influence or belonging. Real hospitality involves action. Jesus speaks about offering even a cup of cold water to someone in need, reminding us that genuine welcome is demonstrated through love and care. We are called to welcome not only people, but the holy image of God that lives within every person.

This Isn’t Always Easy

This is the kind of sacred community we are continually trying to build — a place where people are known, respected, included, and loved. It isn't always easy because our fears, egos, and assumptions often get in the way. Yet it is work worth doing. Every time we welcome another person, we are also welcoming the God who created them.

Welcoming God’s Presence

Welcoming is also a spiritual practice in another sense. We are invited to welcome God's presence into our own daily lives. Through prayer, silence, meditation, and intentional moments of openness, we make room for God's Spirit to shape us. Time and again I have heard people describe the peace, strength, and joy that come from practicing this daily welcome of God's presence.

Self-reflection On Welcoming

I encourage all of us to pay attention to how we welcome others. Notice your assumptions, your hesitations, and the limits you place on your hospitality. Ask yourself whether you are seeing each person as someone created in God's image. And remember that you are always welcome here. My hope is that together we continue practicing this holy welcome — receiving one another, receiving God, and allowing both to transform our lives.