Reference

2 Corinthians 3:18, Luke 15:11-32, John 3:16

Why do people in the church come to greet you?
Why do they try to learn your name?
Why do they try to talk to you?

Why does the church ask people to greet each other?
Why does the church set up a timer for greeting time?
Why does the church set up snacks for people to stay after service?

Because we are being transformed into the image of God.

“As we behold the Lord’s glory, the Spirit of God is at work to transform us into the image of God’s Son. This is one of the primary reasons we gather – to behold and to be changed.” – Bob Kauflin

What does the image of God look like?

The Father’s Heart. See The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
When the son was a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. (Luke 15:20)

The son came limping with his head down
But the father went running with his arms out

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

As we are being transformed into the image of God, we adopt the Father’s heart for His children.
God looks out for us, finds us, meets us, embraces us, shows us compassion and love for us, through us.

So reach out by asking one question
“What is your name?”
“How was your week?”
“How can I pray for you?”

Because a question opens up a conversation.
A conversation provides an opportunity for a prayer.
A prayer points them back to the Father.

This comes from the Father’s loving heart manifested in yours.