Today’s reading: Romans 14:13-23; John 8:12

The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?

Psalm 27:1

The 15th chapter of Romans is a plea from the Apostle Paul to the Jewish Christians to welcome the Gentile Christians into the family of faith. All Jews knew they were chosen by God. They were special and favored and were God’s delight. To give up that position of uniqueness must have been hard. Who did these Gentiles think they were to come in and expect favor and acceptance?

Paul pleads for unity—not simply acceptance but a real welcoming of the Gentiles as equals in the faith. He urges each of them to “please his neighbor for his good, to build him up” (Romans 15:2). Paul wanted the Jews to care for others and let the light of Christ shine through them.

Our motto here at Redeemer is to Grow in Christ, Share the Word, and Care for All. Caring for all is a great way to let Christ’s light shine through us. There are myriads of ways to care for others: prayer, a hug (when COVID allows), a card of encouragement, a call, a text, a ride to church or a doctor appointment. Some of our blind friends could use rides to appointments now and then. How about offering to help out when you can?

Redeemer needs Sunday morning greeters. That would be a great opportunity to welcome others and let them know we care about them. A welcoming handshake to a visitor as they enter our sanctuary may go a long way in helping them know that we care.

Prayer:

Caring Christ, help me to be aware of opportunities to show that I care for others. Thank you for caring for me so much that you died to give me life.

Contributed by Karen Seutter