The Unwelcoming Committee

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me. 
John 10:14 ESV 

Have you ever walked into a room and felt about as welcome as a hair on a biscuit? When you’re the new kid on the block, sometimes people look at you like an invading virus instead of a potential new friend. Cliques are everywhere, in neighborhoods, at work, even in churches. But what can you do when you’re the odd one out? If you want fellowship, the first thing you have to do is get to know the fellows on the ship. Dale Carnegie, who wrote the classic book How to Win Friends and Influence People, said that learning a person’s name is key. “Remember that a person’s name is, to that person, the sweetest and most important sound in any language,” he wrote. Next, listening is important. In fact, listening is half of any successful conversation. In short, be friendly, if you want to have friends. 

FAITH CHECK
In the South, most people are friendly folks who generally view strangers as friends they haven’t met yet. Whether you are part of a clique or a nervous newcomer, step out of your comfort zone and extend a hand of friendship. You’ll be glad you did. 

This month, we are sharing devotions – like this one – from the Sweet Tea for the Soul: Down-Home Devotions to Comfort the Heart! Pick up your copy today at dayspring.com.