Scripture: Romans 15:7
Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Thought for the Day: Tomorrow in worship, we will continue our discussion on love, specifically looking at how liking oneself is essential if we are going to learn to love one another. Psychologists suggest that some people struggle with self esteem because of abuse, or a negative and hurtful childhood. In these cases, children were continually told they were worthless or horrible or without value, and these ideas stuck. Other people, it is suggested, are simply predisposed to low self esteem. In both cases, people seem to place a disproportionate weight on those things they do not like about themselves, overshadowing all that is good. This disproportionate weight makes it nearly impossible to see and appreciate what is good. The word we translate as welcomed in the above passage literally describes someone taking another by the hand and leading them. When someone is struggling with their own sense of self worth, we must do more than tell them to suck it up and think happy thoughts. We need to take them by the hand, walk with them, hear their stories, draw out all that is good and beautiful, affirm it and then do it all over again. This is basically what God did in Jesus Christ.
Prayer: You have welcomed us with a love that is immeasurable, O God of All Creation. May the generosity of your gift affirm within each of us that there is value and beauty to celebrate. Amen.
See You Tomorrow In Worship
…and consider inviting a friend.
