Receiving One Another

That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. (Romans 15:6-7)

The Apostle Paul instructed us to receive ye one another, as Christ also received us.

Paul was calling the body of Christ to unity, not just any unity, but the unity that brings glory to God. Believers should work together like instruments in an orchestra. Each instrument is uniquely designed and very different from the others, yet together the sound is much more powerful than any one could be individually.

Think about how Jesus welcomed you into His family. He didn't care about your past mistakes or the color of your skin or where you came from. He loved us each uniquely and unconditionally and offered us the incredible gift of salvation.

  As followers of Jesus, we're called to do the same. We should open our hearts and arms to others, just as Jesus did for us.

The world teaches people to be defensive and push back from one another, yet Jesus told us we are called to receive those who believe. Truly receiving someone means valuing them for who they are, no matter what their background or mistakes are. It's an act of God’s love and hospitality.

Think about the people in your life. Do you merely tolerate them, or do you genuinely receive them? Are you quick to judge, or are you willing to extend a hand of friendship and understanding? Christ's example teaches us that to receive someone is to see them through the eyes of love and compassion.

How can you receive someone well today? Think about those God places in your path and determine that how you respond, connect, and engage will be with the attitude of receiving them as Christ did you.