Grace Community Church - Nashville

As the Christians in Rome were reasoning about issues of discipleship, Paul shows them how to reason well and gives them reasons for welcoming one another. Imagine the beauty and health of a congregation committed to the essential truths and practices of the Christian faith, and welcoming one another in a way that reflects the welcoming heart of Christ. May the Lord grant us this gift.

If we are struggling to welcome one another in the congregation because we hold different opinions, it is likely that we have not fully comprehended how God has welcomed us to himself in Christ. If, however, we come to see how God has accepted us as his children by grace through faith in Christ, then we are more likely to relate to one another for the purpose of mutual upbuilding. Let us pray for the ministry of the Holy Spirit to open our hearts to pay attention to the gospel. See how Christ has welcomed sinners like us that we might welcome one another for the glory of God.

A group of people with different opinions is held together and at peace with one another by a vision of their higher purpose and a commitment to pursue it. This is especially true of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, where the Spirit of God resides and the glory of God is the highest aim. Today, the message is that we exist for the glory of God, and for this purpose we welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us.

We may be waiting for the return of Christ, but we are not waiting to walk with him. This passage calls us to cast our eyes on the day of Christ’s return just as we would the morning sun. A new day has dawned and the noonday sun is soon to appear, so let us dress ourselves in Christ and walk in the light.