There is something comforting about being welcomed before you have everything figured out.
You don’t have to know all the answers.
You don’t have to have the same story as everyone else.
Someone simply makes room and says, “We’re glad you’re here.”
In Romans 14:1, Paul asks believers to offer that kind of welcome, “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.” (NIV)
The new believers came from different backgrounds, some pagan, some Jewish and they were struggling.
They disagreed about food and keeping an observance on a certain day.
And they were judging each other over it.
Paul reminds them that belonging to God’s family does not require agreement on every disputable matter.
What you eat or when you worship are not salvation issues, they are preferential issues.
Paul tells the new believers to extend grace and mercy to each other.
It is something that applies to you and me too.
We are all learning to follow Jesus and are on a unique journey with Him.
Some of us are taking our first steps.
Others are discovering how much we still have to learn.
Today, may you have an opportunity to listen before correcting,
ask a question before making an assumption,
or welcome someone whose faith in Jesus looks different from yours.
Make room for the person while God works in both of you.
God is good at His job.
Love them where they are as God loves you where you are.
Lord Jesus, thank You for welcoming me with grace. Help me offer that same welcome to others. Today give me a listening heart and love that makes room for people where they are, not where I think they should be. In Your Powerful Name, Amen.