-September 22, 2022-
Good morning, happy Tuesday, happy first day of autumn,
-Receiving Others As Christ Has Received Us-
“Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.”
(Romans 15:7).
Whenever we read the word therefore, especially at the beginning of a verse, we should always ask ourselves, “What is the word ‘therefore,’ there for?” In this case, Paul has written three important things in Romans 15:1-6: We who are strong ought to bear the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves (v.1); Let each please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification (v.2); Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another according to Christ Jesus (v.5).
So then based on these things, let us “Therefore receive one another, just as Christ has received us, to the glory of God.” Paul’s thrust in so many of his epistles is to consider others, love others, and seek to edify others and not to stumble them. We as believers are brothers and sisters in Christ, those for whom Christ died as He also died for us. We are all saved by His blood. He has loved us and received us to the glory of God without exception or exclusion, all by His grace.
It does not matter our national origin, race, color, gender, economic status, or background. Jesus welcomes and receives all alike. Our churches are a blend of so many different people with a like-mindedness in Christ. There is room at the cross for everyone and in our churches as well. The Lord received us willingly, fully, and lovingly, just as we should receive each other. We are one body and Christ is the Head of the body, the church. Each member of the body is important and equal.
May the Lord help us to love one another and receive each other willingly, fully, and to the glory of God. After all, we will spend eternity with each other. It will have its challenges here on earth, but God’s love will prevail.
Have a blessed day loving others and receiving them just as Christ has loved and received us. Stay safe and healthy.
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 