Recently someone shared how being included in an invite to a Bible reading plan on YouVersion had impacted them.

I grew a lot from being part of those groups.  Because I haven’t been able to attend church since October since I started working Sundays, being asked to be a part of a group reading plan meant a lot to me and gave me a way to grow and to stay connected.

Hearing that was great. But it also convicted me. Here’s why.

I’ve gotten so used to inviting folks to things that when I heard my friend say this I realized that I had lost appreciation of a simple invitation’s impact. Invitations carry power.

• The Power of Worth – “I believe you belong.”
• The Power of Inclusion – “I want to include you.”
• The Power of Remembrance – “I thought about you.”
• The Power of Value – “I think you have something to contribute.”
• The Power of Connection – “I would like to stay in contact with you.”
• The Power of Observation – “I realize this might be something you‘d like.”

We’ve all been on the receiving end of an invitation. We can relate to its power as a receiver. What if we balanced the power by extending invitations?

• Want to go to lunch?
• Want to go to a movie?
• Want to join my _______ group?
• Want to bring your family over?
• Want to discuss what’s on your mind?
• Will you be my guest?

These days we may feel powerless. I’m guessing this is a simple way to exercise personal power that we still own.

What invitation power could you share before the end of this day?

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Kate Macate