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Welcoming Other Believers
Jesus teaches that we are to receive/welcome other believers into our lives (Matt 18:5-6). A generous welcoming attitude is characteristic of Christ himself, who welcomes us sinners into the family of God through His grace and by His blood shed on the cross. God Himself is the most welcoming person in existence, inviting us into be part of God’s family.
If this is who God is—and the gospel clearly shows that this is who God is (John 1:13-14)—then we as believers ought to embrace this as value to emulate, as we seek to be like God (Eph 5:1). Thus, we see Jesus encourage his followers to welcome other believers into their lives and fellowship (Matt 18:5-6).
Now this doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for doctrinal standards and the practice of church discipline (see Matt 18:15-18 which is right after this section!), but it does mean that we as a church ought to be known for generously opening our hearts and lives to other believers.
There is a beauty manifested as we welcome other Christians into our lives and receive them as brothers and sisters in Christ. It is beautiful when a Christian welcomes another Christian who is very different from them, whether those are differences in age, ethnicity, economic status, education, politics. We as Christians are called to reject a clique-ish approach to life together in the church. We don’t just welcome those who are like us into our lives and homes, but believers who are very different from us. As we do this, we embrace a pleasing posture to God and the world sees the beauty of a welcoming God.