All Dogs Welcome

Growing Daily

When you walk through our front door, one thing is guaranteed: you will be greeted by a dog.

Our house has seen a steady parade of paws over the years. We’ve fostered many rescues until they were adopted. We’ve raised puppy after puppy for guide dog foundations. Believe it or not, 33 dogs, including our own pets, have lived under our roof in the past twenty years. Some were purebreds. Some were scrappy mutts. Others were disabled or adoption returns.

But here’s what they all had in common: once they crossed our threshold, they were home.

They weren’t labeled “damaged” or “impressive.” They weren’t valued for pedigree or potential. They were simply welcomed.

Strangely, our culture isn't always so generous to people. The world is quick to assign value based on image, talent, or appeal. But Scripture calls us to a radically different mindset. Romans 15:7 says, “Accept each other just as Christ has accepted you, so that God will be given glory.”

Notice the order. Christ accepted us first—and died for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). Not after we fixed our limp or earned a ribbon. He welcomed us while we were still unfinished. That’s what grace looks like under His roof. No throwaways. No second-class souls.

The grace that welcomed us should shape how we welcome others.

- Ron Reid