Welcome
Romans 15:7
7 Therefore, [continue to] accept and welcome one another, just as Christ has accepted and welcomed us to the glory of [our great] God.
When we greet someone with friendly open arms, we are welcoming them. I know that when I enter doors that are unfamiliar to me, I am always set at ease by a friendly face and a kind greeting, welcoming me in. The definition for welcome is, “an instance or manner of greeting someone. Greet (someone arriving) in a glad, polite, or friendly way.” Another word for welcome is to receive. When we receive something or someone we completely accept it or them with no restrictions or conditions. Jesus accepts each one of us regardless of age, gender, status or looks. Luke 15:2, “Both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” Jesus welcomed those that the rest of the world judged and turned away. The truth is we are all sinners and in need of Jesus! Romans 3:23,” for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Our friendly and complete welcome comes from Jesus and even in our imperfections, our sins, He receives us with open arms. In this welcoming we are restored and brought to life in all the glory of God (Romans 15:7). What an amazing life He offers us! Jesus prepared this life for us and tells us that where He is we are welcomed, He will receive us; John 14:3, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” What an example of total acceptance and love our Lord Jesus Christ is! If we have come to know this love and acceptance being a recipient of it than we too can welcome and receive others in complete love. Being a follower of Jesus, a Christian, one who has completely received life in Christ through the grace of God, is a changed life. This is where we now become those that welcome others. Welcome with out restrictions, without bias, without judgment. We are ambassadors of the welcoming love and life of Jesus Christ, so let us reveal that in how we live and interact with other people. Live out a life reaching out in love!
