Romans 15:4–13
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. – Romans 15:7
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Today’s devotion passage begins and ends with God-given hope (vv. 4, 12–13). It is filled with exhortations to glorify God for His work through Jesus Christ (vv. 6–7, 9). At its centre, it urges believers to welcome one another, just as Christ has welcomed them (v. 7).
Paul reminds us that the Scriptures give us hope—a confidence joining believers across time and culture. This hope expresses itself in harmony “in accordance with Christ Jesus” (v. 5). This unity, grounded in the Christ whose coming we anticipate this Advent, is empowered by the Spirit and shaped by genuine acceptance, not mere tolerance.
The Roman church, composed of Jewish and Gentile believers, was marked by deep historical and social divides. But Christ overcame these divisions, drawing them into a shared life rooted in God’s promises. Thus Paul’s call in verse 7, though seemingly radical, becomes possible.
The Greek word for “welcome” means more than polite acknowledgement; it is to “receive completely.” This is deep, relational acceptance—receiving one another, in all differences, as fully belonging. Such a welcome costs us. It requires the strong to bear with the weak (vv. 1–2), laying aside personal preferences for the good of others. It reflects Christ’s humility, who left heaven’s glory to fulfil God’s promises so all might glorify God together.
When such acceptance takes root, unity in diversity becomes reality. Despite differences in worship, background, or conviction, our hearts unite in Christ. We praise with one voice because Christ remains central. This harmony is not achieved by human effort alone—it depends on the God of endurance, encouragement, and hope (vv. 5, 13).
In our world with its ethnic, cultural, and generational divides, this message is especially urgent. We may gravitate toward those “like us,” but Scripture pushes against those boundaries. The Gospel forms a community that honours differences yet lives as one family. Such unity becomes a testimony—a foretaste of God’s Kingdom, where divisions are healed, and God’s glory is shared.
This acceptance is not easy, but God provides the help we need. As we reflect on Advent Hope, Peace, and Joy, Paul prays: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing… by the power of the Holy Spirit” (v. 13). The fruit of Christ’s coming—peace, hope, joy—is seen when God’s diverse people choose unity over own preference.
As you meditate on today’s Scripture, consider where God is inviting you to extend such acceptance as preparation for the King. And in this season, one practical way to live this out is to respond to the call to join our Combined Church Camp next year—a chance for our whole church family, across congregations and generations, to gather as one. It invites us to move beyond differences, step toward one another, and experience the harmony Christ makes possible. May our willingness to come together be a living sign of His peace.
Reflection:
1. Where do you find it hardest to welcome or accept those who differ from you — and why? 2. How can our church’s welcome better reflect the harmony Christ’s transforming work brings this Advent?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, You are the God of hope and encouragement. Thank You for welcoming me into Your family by Your grace. This Advent, teach me to receive others as You have received me. Give me humility, patience, and love. Help me live in harmony with those who differ from me, that we may glorify You with one voice. Fill us with Your peace and unite us by Your Spirit. In Jesus’ Name, our coming King, we pray, Amen.
Click to Read
Today’s devotion passage begins and ends with God-given hope (vv. 4, 12–13). It is filled with exhortations to glorify God for His work through Jesus Christ (vv. 6–7, 9). At its centre, it urges believers to welcome one another, just as Christ has welcomed them (v. 7).
Paul reminds us that the Scriptures give us hope—a confidence joining believers across time and culture. This hope expresses itself in harmony “in accordance with Christ Jesus” (v. 5). This unity, grounded in the Christ whose coming we anticipate this Advent, is empowered by the Spirit and shaped by genuine acceptance, not mere tolerance.
The Roman church, composed of Jewish and Gentile believers, was marked by deep historical and social divides. But Christ overcame these divisions, drawing them into a shared life rooted in God’s promises. Thus Paul’s call in verse 7, though seemingly radical, becomes possible.
The Greek word for “welcome” means more than polite acknowledgement; it is to “receive completely.” This is deep, relational acceptance—receiving one another, in all differences, as fully belonging. Such a welcome costs us. It requires the strong to bear with the weak (vv. 1–2), laying aside personal preferences for the good of others. It reflects Christ’s humility, who left heaven’s glory to fulfil God’s promises so all might glorify God together.
When such acceptance takes root, unity in diversity becomes reality. Despite differences in worship, background, or conviction, our hearts unite in Christ. We praise with one voice because Christ remains central. This harmony is not achieved by human effort alone—it depends on the God of endurance, encouragement, and hope (vv. 5, 13).
In our world with its ethnic, cultural, and generational divides, this message is especially urgent. We may gravitate toward those “like us,” but Scripture pushes against those boundaries. The Gospel forms a community that honours differences yet lives as one family. Such unity becomes a testimony—a foretaste of God’s Kingdom, where divisions are healed, and God’s glory is shared.
This acceptance is not easy, but God provides the help we need. As we reflect on Advent Hope, Peace, and Joy, Paul prays: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing… by the power of the Holy Spirit” (v. 13). The fruit of Christ’s coming—peace, hope, joy—is seen when God’s diverse people choose unity over own preference.
As you meditate on today’s Scripture, consider where God is inviting you to extend such acceptance as preparation for the King. And in this season, one practical way to live this out is to respond to the call to join our Combined Church Camp next year—a chance for our whole church family, across congregations and generations, to gather as one. It invites us to move beyond differences, step toward one another, and experience the harmony Christ makes possible. May our willingness to come together be a living sign of His peace.
Reflection:
1. Where do you find it hardest to welcome or accept those who differ from you — and why? 2. How can our church’s welcome better reflect the harmony Christ’s transforming work brings this Advent?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, You are the God of hope and encouragement. Thank You for welcoming me into Your family by Your grace. This Advent, teach me to receive others as You have received me. Give me humility, patience, and love. Help me live in harmony with those who differ from me, that we may glorify You with one voice. Fill us with Your peace and unite us by Your Spirit. In Jesus’ Name, our coming King, we pray, Amen.