The Bible calls us to "accept one another ... as Christ accepted you". Can I say "no" to a relationship with another when God has said "yes" to a relationship with me?Biblical Passage -
Romans 15:7 "Accept one another, then just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." NIV
Biblical Context -
After discussing the varying convictions of the day and exhorting the church to refrain from judgmental condemnation and, instead, to strive to live in peace, Paul, the author of Romans, writes about unity.
Reflections -
What does it mean to accept another?
On one hand, it could be argued that because Christ reconciled himself to us while we were sinners/ his enemies, we ought to do the same for others.
But again, I ask, is this what "accepting another as Christ accepted us" means?
(1)
Let's look at the Greek word translated as "accept". The greek word "proslambano" is defined by Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary as "to take to oneself ... to receive ... signifying a special interest on the part of the receiver, suggesting a welcome."
It would appear then, that Paul is not addressing the condoning of another's sin, nor is he addressing any permanent relational acceptance. Instead, it appears he is addressing the manner in which we respectfully treat another person present and, perhaps, in need.
This greek word is used in 2 other contexts in the New Testament. The first is Acts 28:2 where islanders on Malta "showed ... unusual kindness ... and welcomed" Paul and his team, providing fire and supplies "because it was raining and cold." These islanders' acceptance of Paul did not provide a permanent friendship for Paul but instead enabled Paul to minister to many and even heal the father of a chief official. What a compound effect this welcoming had! Though Paul left them a short time later (v10), their generous welcome had a lasting affect.
It seems as though a significant reason for a gracious greeting is to provide ministry opportunities through us and others not primarily for an ongoing relationship between two parties.
(2)
The english definition of "welcome" is "to receive or accept with kind courtesy or pleasure."
If we trust God is wise and continually moving relational pieces on this chessboard of life to fulfill a greater plan than can be thought or imagined, it would behoove us to treat encounters with others as moments in God's plan ... for us ... for them ... for his redemptive work on earth.
Perhaps, this welcome will be a lifelong friendship. Perhaps, as with the Malta islanders, our welcome will be a temporary opportunity to show kindness. Regardless, our attitude of welcome to others, shows an openness to be part of God's plan. He is the great conservationist. Are we open to seeing how others' gifts and/or ideas can sanctify us? Are we willing to be open, kind and courteous as others pursue their calling with the Lord? Or, are we more concerned with forcing our agenda and/ or opinion?
(3)
For whom is this done?
- Nor for ourselves: We welcome others not simply for the bitterness, arrogance or self-centeredness that could develop if we did not. We also do not welcome others for the secondhand benefit they could provide us.
- Not for others: We welcome others not for the blessing it will provide through or to another.
(4)
What about estrangement?
Life is complicated. Relationships are affected by our calling. It is quite obvious, that interactions with strangers will differ with calling. If I am called to Malta and never depart, I will never meet an individual who resides and remains in another country.
Similarly, my calling with those I've met are also affected by my calling. I may not correspond with a former classmate. This is not a "refusal to welcome them" but a calling to welcome others. It is just not possible to continue every past relationship.
Sadly too, I may not continue to engage in certain strained relationships. Again, this is not necessarily a "refusal to welcome" but a calling to engage with others.
Prayer:
Lord, how easy it could be to live a guilt-ridden, constantly-striving life!!! Oh the needs! We cannot meet them all. Only You are God!
Forgive us for trying so hard to salvage every relationship that our focus is less on welcoming others and more on proving something. Our interactions with them can so easily become an effort force the result or conclusion we desire. Our very kindness becomes self-seeking and an arrogant attempt to play "god".
At the same time, Lord, keep us from hypocrisy. Let us not allow our desire for authenticity to justify rudeness and insensitivity. Where we are confused, bring clarity. If we are paralyzed in doubt, allow us to rest in trust of your ability to intervene and reinsert people into our lives who we have lost. Help us to be more concerned with faithfully welcoming others in the callings you currently have for us rather than the reconciliations we have been unable to achieve or the greetings we are unable to give.
Comfort us for the goodbyes we grieve giving when our heart's desire would be to to welcome them also.
