Welcome One Another
Romans 15:7

Few things test the reality of our faith more than how we treat those who are different from us. Paul writes, “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Romans 15:7).

The gospel is not only vertical, reconciling us to God, it is also horizontal, bringing sinners together into one family. To “welcome” is more than to tolerate. It is to receive, embrace, and honour, just as Christ received us when we were unworthy. His welcome cost him the cross.

Canadian church history gives us clear windows into this truth. In the mid-20th century, Toronto saw waves of immigration from Italy, Portugal, and the Caribbean. Many churches struggled with the shift. Yet some opened their doors, adjusted their ministries, and welcomed believers of different tongues and traditions. Their costly hospitality produced thriving congregations that reflected the kingdom’s diversity.

And who can forget the joyful welcome given to soldiers returning home from the world wars? Communities lined the streets with banners, meals, and embraces. They were not strangers; they were family restored. That is the spirit Paul calls for in the church: every believer received with warmth, because Christ has received us.

For us today, welcoming one another might mean greeting the newcomer at church before we greet our friends, making room in our schedules for those outside our circle, or extending hospitality to those from backgrounds unlike our own. The welcome of Christ is the antidote to coldness, cliques, and suspicion.

Spurgeon once said, “Our Lord Jesus Christ welcomed us when we were strangers to Him, and it cost Him a great deal to do it.” That is the model for our welcome.

As you gather this week, ask: is there someone God is calling me to welcome, not with mere politeness, but with the warmth of Christ? By such love the glory of God is displayed.