“What Makes Home?”

Written By Pastor David Guss

March 25, 2025

Dear Families of Grace Members, Neighbors & Early Learning Center Families,

The first words Jesus says to us in this week’s Gospel from John 14:23-29 are these: “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our HOME with them.” (John 14: 23). 

 It is often said, “There is no place like home” … It is said, “Home is where the heart is.” When we answer the question: where is your home, we generally speak of a geographic location. But our home is so much more. It is the place where we have family and nurturing. Home is an expression of our values, human connections, and a place of hospitality.

This week’s Gospel causes us to consider two special aspects of what a “home” really is – 1) the place where we are with the ones we love, and 2) where the love that dwells within makes our home welcoming to others.

Jesus says: “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them and WE WILL COME TO THEM AND MAKE OUR HOME WITH THEM.” What powerful words! – WE WILL COME TO THEM AND MAKE OUR HOME WITH THEM. The most common expression that John the Evangelist employs to capture what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, is the simple words “abide in my love.” John uses that word “abide” over 40 times in his Gospel. “Abide …make your abode, your home, with me,” says the Lord.

So, you might ask, “What is expected of me? How do I prepare for Jesus to abide in me and in my home?” Simply this - prepare by loving Jesus so very much - with all your heart, soul, and mind, following his example through acts of kindness and compassion. By loving Jesus, God the Holy Spirit comes to abide in you.

Jesus offers us a different kind of peace and love to those whose hearts are open. Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you, I do not give to you as the world gives.  Receive my peace and love, love me and keep my word – when you do, my Father and I will come to you and make our home with you. Abide in me and I will abide in you.”

What does it mean to be a person who welcomes Jesus into one’s heart or home other than being willing to extend hospitality? The answer can be found in the words of that beautiful hymn, Abide With Me: When the darkness deepens, the Lord, with me, still abides: When other helpers fail and comforts flee, the Lord, with me, still abides. Lord, abide with me today.

 

As you continue to welcome Jesus into your home and abide in your life today, consider accepting this invitation to “come home to Grace Church” this Easter Sunday and be part of this congregation that is filled with prayer, fun, laughter, and the love of Jesus! Experience the presence of Jesus in the Holy Sacrament.  All come at Jesus’ invitation – young and old, the assured and the doubting, the wise and the foolish, and the in-between.  All are welcome here! Come to the Feast!

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Grace Lutheran Church

254 Curtiss Parkway

The Reverend David O. Guss, Ph.D.
Miami Springs FL 33166

Pastor – Grace Lutheran Church
305-888-2871

Pastor David Guss

Pastor David O. Guss serves as the lead pastor of Grace Lutheran Church and Learning Center, a congregation that is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). With a strong commitment to community outreach, youth ministry, and spiritual education, Pastor Guss leads the church with a focus on both traditional and contemporary worship styles. Under his leadership, Grace Lutheran Church fosters a welcoming environment where faith is nurtured, and the community is actively engaged through various programs and ministries, including the Grace Early Learning Center.

Pastor Guss's ministry is rooted in compassion and service, reflecting his dedication to spreading the message of Christ while supporting the spiritual and emotional needs of the congregation.

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