Rooted in love: Practicing the Radical Welcome of Christ
Scripture: Romans 15:7 - “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
Reflection:
Jesus was known for His welcome. He didn’t just tolerate those on the margins; He sought them out, dined with them, and embraced them fully. Tax collectors, sinners, the sick, and the outcasts—all found acceptance in Him. Paul echoes this call, urging us to accept one another as Christ accepted us.
Practicing this kind of welcome requires intentionality. It means stepping beyond our comfort zones and embracing those who might be different, difficult, or overlooked. It’s not merely about being friendly; it’s about embodying the unconditional love of Christ in tangible ways.
Story:
An illustration of radical welcome can be seen in the ministry of Jean Vanier, founder of the L’Arche communities. L’Arche creates homes where people with and without intellectual disabilities live together in mutual relationships. Vanier recognized that society often marginalizes those with disabilities, but he believed they had much to teach about love, vulnerability, and community.
In these communities, the lines between caregiver and recipient blur. Each person is valued for who they are, and relationships are built on trust and shared life. One story tells of a man named Philippe, who had severe disabilities and was often dismissed by others. In L’Arche, he found a place where he was not just cared for but cherished. His joy and simplicity impacted those around him, revealing deeper truths about acceptance and love.
In Scripture, we see Jesus’ interaction with Zacchaeus, a tax collector despised by his community (Luke 19:1-10). Jesus not only acknowledges him but chooses to stay at his house. This act of acceptance transforms Zacchaeus, leading him to repentance and restitution. Jesus demonstrates that radical welcome can lead to profound change.
Application:
How can we practice this radical welcome in our own lives? Start by noticing those who may feel excluded—perhaps someone new to the community, a person who seems lonely, or someone who differs from you in background or belief. Take the initiative to engage them in conversation, invite them to share a meal, or simply offer a genuine smile.
In our church, let’s strive to create an environment where everyone feels they belong. This may involve reevaluating our ministries, programs, and personal attitudes to ensure they reflect Christ’s inclusive love. Remember, when we welcome others as Christ welcomed us, we not only honor them but also bring praise to God.
Let’s be bold in our hospitality, seeing each person as a valuable member of God’s family. By doing so, we become living testimonies of the Gospel’s transformative power.