Romans 15:7 (ESV)
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you,
for the glory of God.
If we are serious about living a life of Christian faith,
we must keep in mind how our actions affect others. We cannot grow in faith all
by ourselves; nor may we forget to tend to the well-being of others. Even if we
have broad diversity, there can be unity when our shared focus and purpose are
about loving God and neighbor. Mutual hospitality is a vital part of building
unity as God’s people.
We build unity when we look out for one another. This means
we are to help others out, even when it might not be convenient. Paul speaks
directly to believers who are “strong,” including himself in that grouping,
because those who consider themselves “strong” can easily be tempted to look
down on others who are not like them.
Going even further, Paul says we are to accept one another
just as Christ has accepted us. How did Christ accept each one of us? He
accepted us with plenty of faults.
We have all experienced being let down by other people, and
we have all been guilty of letting others down. Paul also reminds us that we
are to forgive just as we have been forgiven. And he urges us to put on the
virtue of love because that is what binds us together in perfect unity.
Dear Lord, we confess that our tolerance for others can be
lacking. Unite us as your people and make us gracious toward others just as You
have been gracious to us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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