When You’re Surprised to See Them at Church
That moment of surprise might be revealing more about our heart than theirs.
📖 Scripture
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
— Mark 2:17
📘 Bible Study
Have you ever walked into a church and felt that little jolt of surprise when you saw someone you recognized?
Not the happy kind.
The other kind.
The kind where your mind whispers before your heart can stop it:
Wow… I didn’t know they go to church.
Maybe you knew them from years ago.
Maybe you’ve watched choices they make now.
Maybe you’ve heard stories.
And without even meaning to, you measured them against what you think a Christian should look like.
I hate to admit it… but I’ve done it.
And almost as soon as the thought forms, the Holy Spirit nudges me:
Easy now. Don’t forget why you’re here either.
Jesus was clear about who church is for.
It’s not a museum for saints.
It’s a hospital for souls.
It’s where broken people come for healing.
Where confused people come for clarity.
Where tired people come for rest.
It’s for people in shape.
Out of shape.
Trying to get in shape.
Just like the gym.
And the moment I forget that… I forget the Gospel.
Here’s the humbling part.
While I’m surprised to see them…
What if someone is surprised to see me?
What if they remember my failures?
My wandering seasons?
The version of me that didn’t look much like Jesus?
Because the truth is — we all have a past.
We all have weaknesses.
We all sin.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
— Romans 3:23
Every single one of us walked through those doors needing mercy.
Not applause for already having it together.
Imagine the courage it may have taken for that person to come.
The arguments in their head.
The lies telling them they wouldn’t belong.
The fear of who might see them.
And they came anyway.
Heaven doesn’t gasp.
Heaven rejoices.
“There is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
— Luke 15:10
So maybe instead of surprise… we offer support.
Instead of judgment… encouragement.
Instead of remembering who they were… celebrate who they are becoming.
When we see someone trying to do better, moving toward God, searching for hope — we should be the safest people in the room.
We should smile.
Welcome.
Make space.
Because that’s exactly what Jesus did for us.
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you.”
— Romans 15:7
💭 Reflection
When you picture someone walking into church, what story does your heart tell about them?
❓ Question for You
Am I seeing people through my memory… or through God’s mercy?
🙏 Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve judged someone You were healing. Help me see people the way You see them — not by their past, but by their possibility. Make me someone who welcomes, encourages, and loves like You do. Amen.
👣 Practical Step
This week, intentionally greet someone you don’t know at church. Offer warmth, not assumptions.
💌 Invite a Friend
Know someone who worries they wouldn’t belong in church? Send them this and remind them there is room for them too.
