How does Romans 15:7 connect with Jesus' teachings in John 13:34-35? Romans 15:7—Receiving One Another “Therefore accept one another, just as Christ also accepted you, to the glory of God.” John 13:34-35—Love That Shows We Belong to Jesus “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so also you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” The Shared Heartbeat of the Two Passages • Both passages root our treatment of one another in Christ’s prior treatment of us. • Romans 15:7 commands “accept” on the basis of Christ’s acceptance; John 13:34 commands “love” on the basis of Christ’s love. • The goal is identical: to display God’s glory (Romans 15:7) and to show the watching world true discipleship (John 13:35). Glory to God and witness to others flow from the same Christ-centered love. What “Accepting” Looks Like Through the Lens of “Loving” • Welcoming all genuine believers, regardless of background (see Acts 10:34-35; Galatians 3:28). • Bearing with differences in non-essential matters (Romans 14:1; Ephesians 4:2). • Sacrificing personal preferences to serve another’s good (Philippians 2:3-4). • Extending forgiveness as a settled posture (Colossians 3:13), mirroring Christ’s ready grace. Motivation Drawn From Christ’s Example Jesus… • Stepped into our realm (John 1:14), showing hospitality before we showed interest. • Embraced sinners and outcasts (Luke 19:10; Mark 2:15-17). • Gave Himself completely (John 15:13). Therefore we… • Initiate welcome, rather than waiting to be approached. • Refuse partiality (James 2:1-4). • Love until it costs, confident God provides the supply (2 Corinthians 9:8). Other Scriptures That Tie Acceptance and Love Together • Ephesians 4:32—“Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” • 1 John 4:7-11—God’s love is perfected in us when we love one another. • Colossians 3:14—Love is the “bond of perfect unity.” Living the Union of Welcome and Love Today • Practice real, table-fellowship hospitality—share meals, stories, burdens. • Speak words that build up (Ephesians 4:29), especially toward those who differ from you. • Serve in ways unseen, trusting the Father who sees in secret (Matthew 6:4). • Reconcile quickly; lingering division discredits our testimony (Matthew 5:23-24; John 17:23). Romans 15:7 shows the outward embrace, John 13:34-35 supplies the inner motive. Together they call the church to a Christ-shaped welcome so compelling that God is glorified and the world takes notice. |
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