Belonging at the Heart of It All

 by Dottie Oleson

“What would it mean if we bring belonging back into the very heart of what we do…” - Willie Jennings 

Belonging is at the heart of hospitality. When we throw a “good party” people often in their own unique ways feel like they belong. In Matthew 9:9-13, the author writes about a story of belonging. By breaking bread with the  “tax collectors and sinners” at Matthew’s house, Jesus is redefining in his context who belongs. While society and/or religion might mark these people as “other”, Jesus sits at the table with them, the ultimate symbol of belonging. 

For many of us, we have felt the bitter sting of feeling like we do not belong. Or we have seen those that we love be rejected, pushed away, or ignored. As much as we all desire belonging, unfortunately, too many of us have felt the deep pain of not-belonging. As a faith community many of us are “recovering” from hurtful experiences. As a result, our beliefs and identity have been torn down and many of us are left the rubble of disarray. 

We are recovering misfits— seeking belonging. 

While we might not have the tidiest belief system, our gatherings— a warm inclusive, eclectic, place of belonging— are an act of us healing and reimagining. When we gather and model a new type of belonging, we are taking back the Jesus narrative. We are reclaiming that this story is for us. We are at that table with Jesus at Matthew’s house, just as we are. We belong. 

Today, would you ask God to help you “bring belonging back into the very heart” of what you do? Is there one small action you can take this week that moves towards belonging? Maybe it’s you showing up to an event you don’t know anyone at or inviting someone to a meal. Whatever it may be, stay close to this deep invitation for us to experience God’s love through belonging.