We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 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. (Romans 15:1–7)Christians vary in their level of understanding the will of God and in living for Him. Some liken this to climbing a mountain. We are all going the same direction but at different levels. Some are in a steep spot. Others may be sliding on a graveled slope, and others in a grassy glen.
I’ve noticed how delightful I feel communicating with someone near to the same place as I am. I’m in awe around those who are higher, and a bit impatient with others farther down. But this passage says I should not feel either way about anyone.
Welcoming others is not about levels of understanding; it is about unity and harmony. No matter where someone is in their spiritual journey, we have much in common and can encourage one another. One person may give me hope for future growth and another a reminder of how much God has done for me, yet we can together praise the Lord and love each other.
This is what it means to welcome other believers. One commentary says that where this grace exists, there is one mind, with mutual love. Yet that one mind does not press us to have the same opinion about all things, only a “similar disposition towards Christ.”
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:1–8)Our example is the attitude of Jesus Christ who puts the needs of others above all else to humbly serve our needs. He died for everyone.
Needs is a key word too. This isn’t about wearing out myself to fill the wants of others. They may want to go to a movie or order pizza, but I must make a meal for my family. Love can invite them to eat with us. Life offers many examples of how to look out for others, and welcome them.
Lord, Your Word makes it clear that this welcome attitude is important to Christian unity. It is not merely in kind words or in outward association in activities, but motivated by a spirit of love that simply shares my grateful adoration of You with others who also love You.