Romans 15:7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Here is the way that chs. 14 and 15 can be lived out in practical ways. In ch. 14, Paul discussed issues of the conscience that cause people to judge one another. The result is separation and tension in relationships. This could have been a difficult topic for the mix churches of Jews and Gentiles. In ch. 15 Paul continues the basic idea but expands it to building up one another and not doing something that would hurt those who are weak or immature in their faith. Now with this verse, we reach the a broader plain of application. If our hearts are full of love, our minds being renewed and transformed, and our awareness of those who are weak around us, then it should be second nature to be welcoming. How did Christ welcome us? Each of us will have a different story, but we all shared the common problem of sin. Christ accepted us just as we were, problems and sins and all. He welcomed us and offered us a new opportunity and way of life. We can extend this welcome to others. This will bring glory to God and build up the church.
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