Our homes should be places that people gather. They should serve as spaces that “bring together and take in from scattered places!”
What It Means to Gather
“Gather” – my husband doesn’t understand the obsession with this word. As we walked through a craft store recently and saw it plastered here and there he commented as to why this was such a popular word suddenly. I think I understand though.
The dictionary has a beautiful definition of this word – to “bring together and take in from scattered places”. I love that!
What a beautiful picture of hospitality in the Christian life. It is my sincere desire that my home would be a place that “brings together and takes in from scattered places!”
It is also my sincere desire that Bible believing churches would be places that did this weekly!
We all come from brokenness. Sin has so invaded our world and our hearts that we are left scattered and undone. In this midst of this brokenness we hear the call of our Savior in Matthew 11:28 that says “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will rest.”
Jesus is gathering His people today. He is at work in the world to gather those Who are His; to call them, to care for them, to save them, to heal their brokenness, and to give them lasting hope.
Jesus promises His people that when we gather in His name, He is with us (Matthew 18:20).
He commands us not to neglect gathering together (Hebrews 10:25).
He even welcomes us to help in the gathering of His people (Matthew 9:37-38).
Our homes are perfect places to bring together.
Our hearts ought to take people in from scattered places and love them well.
Our churches should be filled with joyful people, who know what it is to not belong, but have found lasting belonging with God and His people and thus welcome others into this joy (1 Peter 2:10).
Related: How to Overcome Church Hurt and Build a Thriving Community
We are not meant to heal from brokenness in isolation. We are not meant to be scattered around, aimlessly searching for something to satisfy our souls.
We are meant to live life in community.
We are meant to gather for worship, for fellowship, for friendship, for encouragement, for camaraderie, and for the sharing of our soul’s joy!
We are meant to gather for worship, for fellowship, for friendship, for encouragement, for camaraderie, and for the sharing of our soul’s joy! #HospitableHomemaker #Church #ChristianLife #ChristianCommunity Click To TweetNow I can hardly read the word “gather” without tears springing to my eyes.
“Gather” Printable!
With this in mind, I have put together TWO new printables for you! Subscribe to our newsletter below and an email will be sent with two options for printables for your home that will remind you of this beautiful word and the heart of hospitality it represents!
As a teaser, here are snippets of the two options we have put together. The full images will come in the email you get after subscribing!
For a look at some other posts that talk about the importance of gathering together, check out The Importance of Hospitality
A beautiful description of Gather! I love my gather sign and the motley crew that gathered here Christmas Eve (50…) A neighbor just told me yesterday how much they enjoyed coming for soup and bread – even while I was apologizing that I didn’t get a chance to talk with them much. A scattered bunch – and I had to leave God’s details and God’s word to God! Great post, Katie.
It’s the feeling of ” belonging” that makes the difference! As a hen ” gathers” her chicks under her wings. No safer place!
I LOVE that!!
Oh Sue!! I love that story!! He takes care of the details. You have such a beautiful, hospitable heart!! <3
Dear Sue,
I used to use a llittle story book about the Mother Chick protecting her chicks and she would die during the fire that swept over but her baby chicks still lived. Long time ago but it came to mind when you mentioned gather her chicks under her wings. Beautiful story.
Love,
Becky
Beautiful picture <3