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Everyday Peacemaker

Peacemaker Ministries Devotional: Welcome

by P. Brian Noble / October 28, 2019

Scripture

Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Romans 15:7, ESV)

Thoughts

Whenever I see the word “therefore” in the Bible, I ask, “What is the ‘therefore’ there for?” This word reminds me to look at the context for more understanding. So let’s back up and read what Paul is saying: May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

(Romans 15:5-7)

Paul encourages us to live in harmony with one another. Our harmony results in a beautiful voice that glorifies our God and Father. Part of this harmonious life is welcoming one another as Christ welcomed us. So we ask, “How did Christ welcome us?” He welcomed us with repeated invitations to a relationship with him (e.g., John 10:27, Matt. 11:28) and with his arms spread out on the cross. He welcomed us when he was buried, rose again, and met with his disciples. In other words, Jesus welcomed us through the Gospel.

Application

Here are some hard questions: Do you welcome your enemy, the one who hates you? Do you do it with angry eyes? Or can you do it through the Gospel? The Scripture is clear that we are to welcome others into our lives as Christ has welcomed us. The end result will be that God will be glorified.

Prayer

Lord, I confess that I am picky about whom I invite into my life. Help me instead to welcome others as Christ has welcomed me…. (Continue praying.)

Tags: devotion, Peacemaker Wisdom, Romans, Harmony

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P. Brian Noble

P. Brian Noble

P. Brian Noble is an everyday guy who loves Jesus. He has been married to his best friend, Tanya, for 20 years and they have four children; they currently reside in eastern Washington. Brian has a Master of Arts in missional leadership from Northwest University. He is the Executive Director/CEO of Peacemaker Ministries. An ordained minister for the past 20+ years (3 years as a Youth Pastor, 14 years as a Senior Pastor, and 4 years as an Executive Pastor), he proclaims hope through the gospel message as the Holy Spirit empowers believers in their daily walk. He believes in the power of the Word of God to transform lives. He has been a Certified Christian Conciliator since 2008, with 1000+ hours of conflict coaching and mediation experience. His caseload has ranged from husband and wife cases, to family farm, to public schools, and even county government. Brian has taught peacemaking in local jails and even internationally in Uganda. His hope is that every Christian reconciles their differences in a way that glorifies God. His hope is that every Christian recognizes they are a Peacemaker before they try to do peacemaking. Finally, his hope is that every Christian reconciles by making authentic peace that blends justice, mercy, and humility.