Making space for the Gospel means clearing out room in your life—your time, your home, your plans—to welcome the people God loves and to be ready for the moments He sends. It’s about living with an open heart and an open door.
Jesus teaches us in Luke 14:12–14 to invite people who may never pay us back—the poor, the lonely, the overlooked. That kind of hospitality creates space not just for people, but for God to show up and do something special. When we slow down and make room, we give God the invitation to work in unexpected and tender ways.
Because people all around us are looking for love, connection, and purpose. Many feel lonely or left out. When we make space for others, we show them that they matter—not just to us, but to God.
And it’s not just about people—it’s also about God’s timing. Sometimes He wants to interrupt our day with something important: a conversation, someone's need, or a moment to love someone deeply. If our lives are too full or too busy, we might miss it. But when we make space, we’re saying, “God, I’m available. Use me.”
Jesus lived differently. He wasn’t in a rush. He took time for people, even when others thought they didn’t matter.
He ate with people who were disliked or ignored. He welcomed children when others tried to send them away. He talked with people who were hurting or ashamed, giving them His full attention. He noticed people on the edges—like the blind man calling from the crowd or the woman touching His robe—and He stopped for them.
Jesus also used His meals and quiet walks as places for connection. He didn’t just teach in temples; He showed love around dinner tables, on roads, in homes. Every part of His life and every place he passed through was open for God to move.
God is calling us to live like Jesus—open, ready, and full of love for others. You don’t have to be perfect. You just need to be present.
In your home – Invite someone over. It could be a friend, a neighbor, or someone who needs encouragement. You don’t need a fancy meal—just a warm heart and a listening ear.
In your neighborhood – Say hello to people. Ask how they’re doing. Offer help when you can. Look for little ways to care.
In your workplace or school – Be someone others can turn to. Be kind. Be patient. Be ready to pause and talk, even if it means adjusting your plans.
In your schedule – Leave space in your day. Don’t pack it full. Make time for rest, for prayer, and for people. This helps you stay open to God’s surprises.
Making space for the Gospel is about living with open eyes, open hands, and an open heart
It means saying to people, “You’re welcome here,” and saying to God, “You can interrupt my day.” When we live this way, the love of Jesus shines through us—and hearts begin to open to Him.
Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. - 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NIV
Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” - Luke 14:12–14 NIV
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. - Romans 12:11-13 NIV
Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! - Romans 12:14-15 NLT
Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. - Hebrews 13:1-4 NIV
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. - Mark 10:13-16 NIV
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—when you already have it with you. - Proverbs 3:27-28 NIV
As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people... - Galatians 6:10a NIV
Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. - 1 Peter 4:9-10 NLT