I recently visited another church because I was unable to get to my home church in a timely manner due to excessive traffic.  I selected this particular church (which shall remain nameless) because I had heard a few sermons by their preachers and felt that I would get a "good word."

While the message from the preacher was okay, the feeling that I got from congregants wasn't.  I noticed a woman watching me for a few minutes when I sat down in the pew near her, then hastily moving her purse and personal belongings. For the life of me I couldn't figure out the woman's reaction to me.  I had used deodorant and knew that I didn't smell, I was wearing minimal make-up, I was wearing clean, non skin-revealing clothes, I was singing along with the praise and worship songs, I had given her a greeting when I sat down, and I wasn't sitting too close to the woman - so I wasn't invading her personal space. Then it hit me.  I had worn dress slacks and had on a beret on top of my head with my hair hanging down.  Maybe there was a dress code for women at this church that I wasn't aware of.

In any case when the preacher said to hug the visitors I noticed that most just nodded and walked past me. One or two extended their hand and only one hugged me.  I thought to myself - wow if this is showing the love of Christ to a fellow believer, I wonder what the congregants would have done had I been dressed provocatively or reeked of alcohol or cigarettes.

Saints, the next time you are anywhere I just want to remind you that the Bible says that we are to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.  Luke 6:31.