The Example of Welcome

“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)

Paul is ending his letter to the Roman church by encouraging them to be unified in their worship of God and in caring for one another. This is a big moment for Christians — living in response to how we have been cared for in Christ.

We are implored to welcome as we have been welcomed. Jesus is the perfect example for us and even while we can never match his perfection, we can lean into his empowerment to accomplish this gospel-driven hospitality and welcome.

God is granting us to live in harmony, to set aside our own preferences for the others around us. It is the welcome we received in Jesus. He set aside his rights to the point of death to welcome us. To make the welcome effective. He see you exactly how you are, broken, incomplete and yet he chooses you calling you his own.

We then reflect that welcome among each other as believers and to those we encounter in our life. Today is a day of welcome. Remember how you were and are continually welcomed by Jesus, then reflect that welcome to one another. It is for the glory of God!