Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Romans 15:7, ESV)
One unmistakable mark of a life transformed by Jesus is a changed way of relating to people. Those who truly encounter Christ do not only sing differently or think differently; they love differently. They move towards others, not away from them. They make room. They become Welcomers—men and women whose lives echo the heart of Christ in how they receive, include, and embrace those around them.
At the centre of this call stands the powerful instruction in Romans 15:7. This is a radical, Christ-shaped welcome that reaches across difference, discomfort, and even past hurt, to reflect the Gospel in action.
Welcomed by Christ, Sent to Welcome
Paul’s charge in Romans 15 is rooted in the tension between different groups in the early church—Jew and Gentile, strong and weak in faith. Into that mix, the Holy Spirit speaks: You have been welcomed by Christ at great cost; now extend that welcome to one another for the glory of God.
This is the foundation of the Welcomer’s identity. The more deeply believers absorb the reality of Christ’s gracious welcome—despite sin, history, or background—the more willing they become to open their hearts, homes, pews, WhatsApp chats, and dinner tables to others. Jesus Himself embodied this, frequently eating with sinners and outcasts, drawing near to those whom others rejected.
To be a Welcomer is to say with your life: “There is space for you, because there was space made for me at the cross.”
Radical Hospitality: More Than “Being Nice”
Scripture consistently links faithfulness to God with tangible hospitality. Hebrews 13:2 urges, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (ESV) This is more than sentiment; it is a way of life that opens doors, not just hearts.
Radical hospitality has at least three dimensions:
- It intentionally moves towards people who feel like outsiders—newcomers at church, isolated neighbours, those overlooked or avoided.
- It offers practical care—food, time, presence, listening ears—sharing God’s kindness in concrete ways.
- It treats people with dignity, not as projects, but as image-bearers whom Christ loves and invites.
Such welcome costs something—time, comfort, convenience—but it carries the fragrance of Christ. It becomes a living picture of the Gospel: those far off being brought near.
Breaking Barriers: A Heart of Inclusion
Jesus’ ministry repeatedly shows Him crossing boundaries—social, ethnic, religious, moral—to welcome those others pushed away. He ate with tax collectors, touched lepers, spoke with Samaritans, and defended the broken. Every such act declared: the Kingdom is open to the least, the last, and the lost.
When believers become Welcomers, several barriers begin to fall:
- The barrier of prejudice: Christ’s welcome teaches believers to see beyond labels, history, or stereotype.
- The barrier of preference: Believers learn to love those who are not like them—different culture, generation, worship style, or life story.
- The barrier of self-protection: Instead of guarding comfort, they risk vulnerability in order to reflect Jesus.
In a fractured world, a welcoming church and a welcoming believer become prophetic signs of God’s coming kingdom.
Creating Spaces Where Grace Can Be Seen
Welcoming is not only an attitude; it is also about creating spaces—physical, emotional, and spiritual—where people can encounter the grace of God. This can look like:
- A home where meals become ministry.
- A church where newcomers are noticed, remembered by name, and drawn into family.
- Online spaces where believers respond with kindness, patience, and truth, rather than hostility or indifference.
Every such space becomes an altar of welcome, echoing Romans 15:7 and pointing to the One who first welcomed believers.
Those who encounter Jesus deeply do not hoard that grace. They position their lives so that others can taste and see the goodness of God through their welcome.
Think about it.
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
Next Steps
Reflect: Who has God used in your life as a Welcomer—someone whose open heart or home helped you grow in Christ? Are there people in your church, workplace, or community who feel unseen, overlooked, or on the margins? What fears or barriers hold you back from a more radical, Christ-shaped welcome?
Pray: Father, thank You that in Christ I have been welcomed, forgiven, and made part of Your family. Shape my heart to mirror the welcome of Jesus. Break down every barrier of fear, pride, or prejudice in me. Teach me to open my life, my home, and my church to those You bring across my path. May my welcome bring glory to You and point many to Your Son. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Act: This week, intentionally welcome someone new or overlooked: greet them, learn their name, listen to their story, and follow up. Invite someone for a coffee, meal, or walk with the purpose of offering encouragement and Christ-like hospitality. Speak with your church leaders or team about strengthening your congregation’s welcome—at the door, in seating, in follow-up, and in small groups—so that many may experience the embrace of Christ through His people.
