Have you ever walked into a room and wondered if you belonged?

People were talking, but nobody spoke to you. Empty seats were available, but you still didn’t feel welcome.

Most of us know that feeling. And if we’re transparent, we may have contributed to someone else feeling that way, too.

Long before we learn someone’s name or hear their story, we notice their clothes and how they speak. Sometimes, without realizing it, we decide how much attention they deserve. We would never tell someone, “You don’t matter that much.” But our actions can send that message.

Faith in Jesus leaves no room for favoritism.

In James 2:1–13, the Holy Spirit confronts a gathering where a wealthy man receives special attention while a poor man receives an inferior welcome. The both went to the same gathering, but they each received a different welcome. Their appearance had become the measure of their worth.

That should get our attention. Every living, breathing human being deserves our love. A person doesn’t have to become useful to our ministry goals before we care about them.

Naturally, we’ll be closer to some people than others. But closeness to some must never become carelessness toward others. Even a loving church needs the Holy Spirit to search its heart. We can become so comfortable with familiar faces that we overlook the people still trying to find their place.

The Spirit reminds us, “Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13).

We came to Jesus needing forgiveness. He didn’t calculate our good works and decide whether we deserved His attention. We needed mercy, and His grace met us there. How can people who live by such mercy make others earn their kindness?

Sometimes strengthening a church is so simple that we overlook it. Learn one more person’s name. Make room in the conversation. Invite someone to lunch. Sit down and listen. Everybody has a story.

If we don’t love people, we don’t get to grow Christians. Loving people is where our mission begins.

Who have you been passing by? Whose story have you not yet heard? You could be used by God simply by giving someone your attention.

Father, open my eyes to people I’ve overlooked. Let the mercy I’ve received become the mercy I extend. Help me make room for someone today. In Jesus’ name, amen.