What Are You Doing More Than Others? How a Simple Greeting Can Reflect the Heart of Christ
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“And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others?” — Matthew 5:47a (NIV)
A Question That Convicted My Comfort
This question from Jesus made me squirm. Not because I didn’t understand it — but because I did.
“And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others?”
It hit me one Sunday morning as I walked into church, passed someone I didn’t know, smiled politely, and kept walking. I was eager to find my usual seat, my usual friends, my usual comfort zone. But the words of Jesus echoed in my heart.
Was I only greeting “my people”?
And if so… what was I really doing more than anyone else?
Cultural Context: What Did Greeting “Your Own People” Mean Back Then?
In Jesus’ time, greetings weren’t mere “Hi, how are you?” They were deeply rooted in identity, honor, and social order.
Greeting someone in public meant acknowledging their worth.
In Jewish culture, people typically greeted those within their own ethnic, religious, or social circles.
To greet a Gentile or outsider was scandalous — even unclean.
A Pharisee wouldn’t greet a tax collector. A Jew wouldn’t greet a Samaritan.
So, when Jesus asked this question, He was turning societal norms on their heads.
He was saying, “If your love and kindness extend only to people like you… how are you any different from the world?”
Even non-believers greet their tribe. But Kingdom people? They step beyond comfort and initiate connection across boundaries.
Old Testament Roots: God’s Call to Inclusive Love
Jesus wasn’t inventing a new standard. He was restoring God’s original intention.
In Leviticus 19:34, God said:
“The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself.”
And in Isaiah 56:7, God declares:
“My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”
God’s plan was never limited to one people group. From the beginning, He was drawing all nations to Himself — and He wanted His people to reflect that inclusive love.
Greeting only those “like us” contradicts the heartbeat of heaven.
My Own People: Who Are They, Really?
It’s easy to assume Jesus was talking about ethnicity or culture — and that’s part of it. But I’ve come to realize we all have “our people.”
My church friends
My family
My political camp
My fellow moms or co-workers
People who look like me, think like me, or agree with me
It’s natural to gravitate toward people who make us feel safe or understood. But Jesus didn’t come for “natural.” He came for supernatural.
He crossed every boundary:
He touched lepers (Luke 5:13)
He spoke to Samaritan women (John 4:9)
He healed Gentiles (Matthew 8:10)
If I want to follow Jesus, I have to follow Him across boundaries — especially the ones I’ve built in my heart.
What Are You Doing More Than Others?
This is the heart of Jesus’ question. He’s not condemning love for “your people” — He’s challenging us to do more.
Anyone can be kind to their own.
Anyone can stick with their safe circle.
Even “pagans” and “tax collectors” do that (Matthew 5:46–47).
But we’re not just anyone.
We’re called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16).
To be set apart (Romans 12:2).
To reflect the radical love of our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:48).
3 Ways to “Do More” with Love
1. Initiate Conversation with Strangers
That person sitting alone in church or standing awkwardly at a social event — go greet them. A simple hello can be a lifeline.
“Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:13
2. Break Through Uncomfortable Divides
Greet the person who thinks differently. Vote differently. Parent differently. Jesus didn’t say, “Love your neighbor when they agree with you.”
“If you love those who love you… what are you doing more than others?” – Matthew 5:46–47
3. Include the Marginalized
Jesus often drew in the people others pushed out. Look around — who’s being ignored? Who seems invisible?
“The last will be first, and the first will be last.” – Matthew 20:16
My Heart Shifted the Day I Said Hello
There was a woman at church who I didn’t understand. She dressed differently, spoke boldly, and seemed… well, like someone I wouldn’t connect with.
One Sunday, God nudged me to say hello.
It was awkward. But that greeting turned into a short conversation, which turned into a friendship. And guess what? Her faith challenged mine in ways I didn’t expect.
Jesus was right. That “more than others” kind of greeting? It changes hearts — including mine.
Recommended Books to Further Study the Subject
Reflection Questions
Who are “my own people”?
Who have I been overlooking or avoiding?
What would it look like to greet, welcome, or love someone outside my circle this week?
Am I willing to be uncomfortable to reflect Christ?
🙏 A Prayer to Love Beyond My Circle
Father, help me to love with no limits. Break down the walls in my heart — the ones I’ve built to stay comfortable or safe. Give me eyes to see the ones You see, and the courage to greet them, include them, and love them as You do. Amen.
📣 Call to Action: Start with a Hello
This week, choose one person outside your usual circle — someone you’ve never greeted or assumed you wouldn’t connect with — and say hello. Ask their name. Show interest. You never know what that simple act might unlock.
