“In the Gospels . . . sharing a meal created opportunities for unity and connecting with people who are different. There’s something that happens when we share one meal at a time with one person at a time.”- Kyle Idleman
In Chapter 11 (“One Meal At a Time”) of One At a Time, Kyle Idleman stresses that a shared meal tends to lead to a shared life. Thus, a shared meal offers one of the most effective ways to influence someone. It provides the opportunity to witness the love of Jesus in an unforced way.
Furthermore, Pastor Idleman underscores, bringing people together helps bring them to God. Also, it helps people connect. Above all, Kyle notes, “Jesus came to break barriers, and one of the best ways to do that is by breaking bread.”
Justine Rae Lee believes in the healing power of meals. Consequently, a few days after our divisive 2016 presidential election, she came up with an idea. So, she and a friend co-founded Make America Dinner Again (MADA). The idea involves gathering six to ten guests from a variety of political viewpoints to eat supper together.
Today, these dinners take place in a dozen American cities. And MADA has inspired a similar movement in England. Most significantly, the dinners provide the opportunity to listen and engage in respectful conversation. Therefore, Kyle exhorts:
“Jesus came to tear down the walls that divide people. If you’ve committed your life to following him, you committed your life to tearing down the walls that divide people. He came to bring peace and called us to be peacemakers (see Matt. 5:9, Eph. 2:14), and one of the best ways to do that is by sitting down at a table and sharing a meal.”
In conclusion, Kyle asks, who has God put in your path who’s far from him? God desires that you bring that person to him.
Today’s question: What do you think of Kyle’s idea to share one meal at a time? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Smacking you in the mouth – life”
