I like how Paul describes the welcome he received from the Galatians, even as he endured an illness. This sickness surely burdened his hosts, yet Paul said, “Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself (Galatians 4:14).
Can you imagine welcoming others as if they were angels or even Christ himself? Can you imagine the honor, the deference, the joy? When we interact with others made in the image of God, we might welcome them with humble submission and respect.
What place does mean speech, ignoring, harming, or self-focus have in the presence of others indwelt by the very spirit of God? How many people have we dismissed or overlooked in our lives because we don’t live in the mystery of divine encounters? Every encounter is a divine encounter. We meet the eternal soul of others as we go about our regular day. Living with flair means we stay in the humble joy of welcoming others for who they really are.