Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:7 NABRE
Paul is closing out his letter to the community in Rome. He is making the case for doing all for the building up of the church and the glory of God. We shouldn’t do things to please ourselves, nor should we insult or take advantage of others. When we take advantage of others, or insult others, we allow our insults to fall on Christ. We can remember Jesus saying whatever you do to the least you do to me (Matthew 25:40.) Paul coming from the Hebrew community understands the importance of the community coming together and being of one voice and one mind; so he encourages everyone to be in harmony with one another and in Christ. We see in the quoted verse Paul’s desire for mutual reception, between the weak and the strong, to help one another. We are to accept and embrace one another as Christ welcomes each of us and as we do we do it for the glory of God. God is glorified when we act in God’s name and come together in hospitality in God’s name. As disciples we must never shut one another out over differences of opinion. After all, Christ who acted for others, is the standard for all Christian conduct. Christ sacrificed so that we would know we are called to lift one another up, the weak as well as the strong, Gentile as well as Jew all into the communion of God’s family.
As Christians we have no love if we are selfish, if we take more than we give, if we aren’t seeking ways to help others, especially those in the most need. Jesus lived that we will know to give our life for others. It doesn’t always mean we have to die for others, but dying of our own selfish desires is certainly a necessary act.
Are you on the lookout to support those in need? Do you give your life for others as a Christ follower?
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