Invitations are costly, but they're also priceless

Have you ever taken time to ponder the weight of an invitation? Invitations cost us something. Whether it’s the expense of hosting an event, grabbing coffee, or simply opening up our homes, invitations come with a price tag. But beyond the financial cost, there’s an emotional investment too. Inviting someone into your life is a vulnerable act, risking rejection or the discomfort of putting yourself out there. Yet, despite the costs, invitations are investments into people. They’re more than a seat at the table: they’re an opportunity for connection, growth, and even healing. When we invite someone, we’re telling them, “You matter. I see you. I want you here.”

We all crave invitations. There’s something deep within us that longs to be wanted, to be chosen. But here’s the catch: desiring an invitation isn’t the same as accepting one. When the invitation finally comes, we have to do more than acknowledge it—we have to respond.

Think about it. How often do we let invites sit unanswered because we’re too busy, we assume we’ll have another chance, or maybe we’re waiting for a better offer? Accepting an invitation means carving out space in your schedule, showing up, and making the effort. And in that process, something powerful happens: we step into opportunities for meaningful relationships and experiences that wouldn’t have existed otherwise.

Jesus is the ultimate inviter. He extends a standing invitation to each of us, no matter our past or present circumstances. There’s no fine print, no list of qualifications—just a simple call to “come.” But like any invitation, it’s up to us to respond. We’re all juggling packed schedules, commitments, and distractions, but His invitation requires us to reorient our lives. It means making space for Him, showing up, and being present in the relationship He’s offering. This is not just a one-time event but a continual response, an ongoing willingness to say yes to His daily invitation. Will you accept it, or will you let it sit on the table, unnoticed and unacknowledged?

In the end, it’s all about what we value. Invitations are costly, but they’re also priceless. They connect us to one another and, most importantly, to God. The question we’re left with is, are we willing to make the investment?

If you want to read more about invitations, check out Luke 14:15-24.

Peace,

Nick