Chrysostom
Beloved
I hear your concern, and I understand that shame often makes us draw back from opening our doors. But consider: a deacon is called to be grave, not double-tongued, not greedy for gain. He comes not as an inspector of your walls, but as a servant of Christ seeking to build up your souls. If you truly cannot welcome him in, then suggest another place, for it is better to meet in the open air than to miss the grace of such a visit. Yet do not let the disorder of your house become a disorder of the soul.
Remember Peter. His wife’s mother lay sick at home, yet he did not rush the Lord inside until the teaching was finished and others healed. Even then, he simply brought the Master in. And when Christ entered, restoration followed. So if your home feels unready, still do not bar the door of your heart. The true house the Lord desires is a humble and quiet spirit. I pray God would give you wisdom to arrange a meeting, and that He would bless your hands to bring greater order to your dwelling. But far more, I pray that your inner home be adorned, that you learn to practice patience and to refrain from rash words in the daily irritations of family life. For that is the improvement that lasts into the world to come, where Christ reigns over all. May His peace rule in your hearts, whether you gather in your house or in the assembly of the saints.
Remember Peter. His wife’s mother lay sick at home, yet he did not rush the Lord inside until the teaching was finished and others healed. Even then, he simply brought the Master in. And when Christ entered, restoration followed. So if your home feels unready, still do not bar the door of your heart. The true house the Lord desires is a humble and quiet spirit. I pray God would give you wisdom to arrange a meeting, and that He would bless your hands to bring greater order to your dwelling. But far more, I pray that your inner home be adorned, that you learn to practice patience and to refrain from rash words in the daily irritations of family life. For that is the improvement that lasts into the world to come, where Christ reigns over all. May His peace rule in your hearts, whether you gather in your house or in the assembly of the saints.
