Read the Word:
Romans 15:7-13
Meditate on the Word:
Christians are to be a welcoming people. Paul, in writing to the church at Rome, instructed believers to “welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God.” Paul then goes on to share four scriptures on the welcoming of Gentiles into worship. The idea, from Old Testament times, was that Israel was to be a light so that the whole world would come to know God. But Israel was not always genuinely welcoming to Gentiles. In fact, they believed themselves to be superior to them.
Here’s the thing, Christian: We cannot say that we welcome people if we act superior to them on the street. Or when they come to church. Or on social media. Truly welcoming people starts with recognizing that we are not superior. Christ, who is far superior to us, welcomed us. As He brought us into His light, we are to bring others into His light. We do not do this by pretending that we are so great. We do this by pointing out that Christ is great and welcomed us in spite of our sin. He will do the same for them.
I heard a story of an revival from the 1960s when a young woman showed up, was moved by the message, and wanted to give her life to Christ. The preacher, looking at her in her miniskirt and makeup told her to go home wash her face and change clothes so she could come to Christ. She did not return. We cannot demand that people change before coming to Christ. We make the introduction and let Him change them. Our job isn’t to change people. Our job is to demonstrate how we have been changed.
Pray the Word:
Ask our Lord if you have been acting superior to others. If you have, repent.
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