Romans 15. The Apostle Paul wraps up his commentary and guidance for the churches in Rome in chapter 15. His overarching concern is evident in the opening verses:

Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up… 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 (15:2,6-7).

Paul’s concern is that there would be unity in the churches of Rome, and that Christians would welcome new believers and work together to build each other up. The strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please themselves (15:1). Christians are to be supportive of the faith journeys of other people, so that God is glorified.

What is it that Christians are to offer to other (younger, newer, weaker) believers?

Christians are to offer a warm welcome (15:7). Hospitality. Open arms. Helpfulness. Attentiveness. Concern. Empathy. Not judgment. Not stumbling blocks.

Christians are to offer a community in which to study and learn scripture. For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction (15:4). The riches of scripture are not necessarily easy for new Jesus followers to process. Believers are to help explain and teach about the character of God, how he relates to the world, the history of His engagement with the world, the effects of sin and how to escape those patterns, character development, and so much more.

Christians are to offer encouragement and hope. Hope is drawn from the encouragement of the scriptures (15:4). Hope is a by-product of a relationship with the God of endurance and encouragement (15:5) and the God of hope (15:13). It is by the power of the Holy Spirit that you may abound in hope (15:13). The life stories and testimonies of other Christians offer a source of history and hope for new believers as well.

What is the result of a community of Christians acting in this way? The name of God is glorified. The community is also one filled with all joy and peace in believing (15:13).

Has this been your experience with Christian community? Is it welcoming? Attentive? Did you find it to be a place where the scriptures are studied? Did you feel encouraged and hopeful? Is it a community of people full of joy and peace?

What is your role in helping the Christian community become more like this? Who can you reach out to and welcome? Who do you need to encourage this week? Who needs a bit of Holy Spirit hope today? Do you have joy and peace, and how can you share them?