You’re Welcome!
Romans 15:5-7 (ESV)
“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.”
Years ago, Newsweek magazine carried the story of the memorial service for former Vice President Hubert Humphrey. Hundreds of people came from all over the world to say good-bye to their old friend and colleague. But one person who came was shunned and ignored by virtually everyone that was present.
Nobody would look at him, much less speak to him. That person was former President Richard Nixon. Not long before, he had gone through the shame and infamy of Watergate. He was back in Washington for the first time since his resignation from the presidency. But then a very special thing happened.President Jimmy Carter, who was in the White House at that time, entered into the room. Before he was seated, he saw Richard Nixon standing over against the wall, all by himself.
President Carter went over to him as if he were a dear old family member, extended his hand, smiled and to the surprise of everyone there, the two of them embraced each other!
In Romans 15:5-6 Paul is praying that the Roman church which was comprised of Jewish and Gentiles Christians would follow the example of Christ of pleasing one another rather than seeking to have their own way at the expense of one another. Pleasing in the Greek means to fit together or to accommodate, so Paul was praying that these two ethnic groups would fit together and learn how to accommodate one another!
Paul then follows up his prayer in Romans 15:7 with an exhortation for this diverse congregation to live in harmony with one another by welcoming one another on the grounds that God in Jesus Christ had welcomed them! The Greek word for welcome means to take to oneself; to receive one into your presence, heart, circle or society without making setting any conditions or without making any distinctions.
Friends, in order for churches to be effective in making disciples out of the diverse ethnic groups around the world, they must be willing to welcome diverse people without strings attached. In verse seven, Paul gives the basis and motivation for welcoming people, Christ! God welcomed us on the basis of the person and finished work of Christ. When was the last time you smiled, extended your hand and said, You’re Welcome!
God, help me to be like your son, Jesus Christ and welcome any and everyone into my heart and life as you welcome me into your heart and life on the basis of your son, Jesus Christ, Amen!