Welcome One Another Just as Christ Has Welcomed You

This meditation is based on a passage for July 22, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Romans 15:1-13

Reflection and Question: Paul insists here that Christ has welcomed us for the glory of God. As Christ has welcomed us, we are to welcome one another. For Paul, this meant Jews welcoming Gentiles and Gentiles welcoming Jews for the glory of God, and he cites several Old Testament verses to support his point. In our time, the welcome of all believers — straight and gay — has the same purpose and outcome that was clear to Paul: it is for the glory of God. When did you please your neighbor for the good purpose of building him or her up?

Prayer: May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! Amen!