We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:1–7 (ESV)
We really enjoy entertaining guests and always strive to make our guests feel welcomed. We mow the lawn, clean the house, prepare a nice meal and do what we can to engage in meaningful conversation. As I read Romans 15: 1-7 I am reminded that Christ welcomed me when I was weak, selfish (there’s that word again), and seeking to build myself up rather than others. His welcoming included His being reproached so I didn’t have that shame. His enduring that shame brought me hope from seeing how He was my salvation from before the world began. This “welcoming” is described as living in harmony and glorifying God.
So my challenge from this passage is for me to be truly welcoming to all as, Christ welcomes them (and me). The goal of welcoming is God’s glory and that is all, nothing else. May my heart guide my words and thoughts to this goal.