The Latin term, persona grata, refers to someone who is welcome—a guest who is received gladly and honored at every occasion. It describes a person who is truly wanted and needed.

More commonly, however, we hear the phrase, persona non grata, meaning “an unwelcome person.” It describes someone who, because of neglect or distance, is no longer invited into close proximity. Though he may not be openly rejected, he is quietly kept at arm’s length.

In many ways, this describes the relationship many Christians have with Jesus today. We cherish the idea of him. We look forward to heaven with him but, in daily life, he is often treated as a distant figure rather than a present companion. There is a glaring problem with this.

Emmanuel did not come to be a distant hope. He came to dwell with us, walk among us, and be known by us. And this gift of presence was not just for people living 2,000 years ago.

Like many other believers, I used to think of Jesus as real but remote. My perspective changed after a deeply personal experience: a dream in which I spoke with Jesus. I am not claiming that this experience gave me hidden truth or new doctrine to share with the world. It was a moment of connection with my Savior. It showed me that speaking with Jesus does not have to feel formal—like sending a letter to a president or another high-ranking official. It can be very natural and personable.

The book of Job reminds us that God sometimes reaches us in very intimate ways that we do not expect: “For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night… then he opens the ears of men” (Job 33:14–16).

For me, that dream was a gentle reminder that God is a present companion willing to meet me personally where I am. It was an invitation to walk with him closely.

This truth is beautifully expressed in the hymn, My God and I:

“My God and I go in the fields together

We walk and talk as good friends should and do

We clasp our hands, our voices ring with laughter

My God and I walk through the meadows hue”

We are with Christ now. So why don’t we think and act that way? When we sin, why do we think only in terms of rules and consequences, instead of realizing that we have personally hurt someone who loves us?

And when we perform a “golden deed” for someone—an act of kindness or sacrifice—why don’t we imagine his face? Why don’t we picture his joy as he sees his love reflected through us?

The truth is, he is not watching from a distance. He is here. Jesus himself promised:

“If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our home with him.” – John 14:23

And again: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20

The word of God promised that Christ is not merely a doctrine to defend or a future hope to anticipate. He is a living Lord who walks among His people. When we understand this, everything changes.

• Faith becomes relationship, not religion.
• Prayer becomes conversation, not ceremony.
• Obedience becomes love, not obligation.
• Service becomes worship, not routine.

Jesus does not want to be a distant entity we know nothing about beyond the written page. He wants to be welcome, honored, and cherished in every moment. Let us rejoice and remember that the God we serve is not far away.

 

Michael Hildreth Lives in Merkel, TX