Romans 14.1-12
There are a lot of wonderful words.
Words that bless us and lift us up.
Words that encourage us and make us strong.
Words that bring sunshine to our lives.
Words that lead us and guide us.
Words that instruct us and inspire us.
Wonderful words of life.
I can’t think of a better word then “welcome!”
Welcome home, we say to the traveler, take it easy!
Welcome to our home, we say to the visitor - glad you’re here … make yourself at home … take it easy; we’re glad you can be here.
A welcome letter from a university to which we’ve applied … it always comes in a large envelope, have you noticed that? … rejection letters come in small envelopes … welcome letters come in big envelopes.
Rachel remembers Donna and me storming into the house one afternoon … she was on the floor in the family room, her back against the couch, watching TV … wondering what all the stomping was about … Donna and I came into the family room; with a handful of mail, and the Large Envelope with a huge return address on it … instantly Rachel knew what it was … because welcome letters come in a large envelopes.
Ever notice that about people?
Kind people come in large envelopes.
There hearts are large.
Their kindness is big.
Their laughter is rich.
They have a relaxed and easy way about them.
Their sense of honor is like a golden thread woven into the tapestry of life.
They’re eager to do good.
They tell the truth, but do it with love.
They hold themselves accountable to high standards.
But are easy-handed with others.
They set an example that others admire.
They have a solid reputation.
People like to be around them.
They’re big people.
Large envelopes, full of good news and welcome!
When I’m around a large-envelope kind of person, I feel better.
Large-envelope people turn on lights when the room is dark.
They encourage us and lift us up.
They make life better for all of us.
They get it done.
With a smile and a positive outlook.
They’re a big envelope, full of good news.
They take it easy.
They practice the art of welcome!
Welcome is a big word.
Arms-stretched wide kind of word.
As wide as the Pacific Ocean.
As tall as the Rocky Mountains.
As big as a Wyoming Sky.
Paul says to the people: be big with your welcome.
Because love is big.
God is big.
Jesus Christ is big.
Paul says,
Welcome the weak. Take it easy with them.j
Maybe in time, they’ll become strong.
They won’t need all their little rules and little regulations.
They will find God’s big love to be the only rule and only regulation they need.
They, too, can become big.
We all can become big.
Big with faith, hope and love.
Big with grace, mercy and peace.
Big with justice, kindness and humility.
These are big things.
And they make us big.
God makes us big.
Christ makes us big.
Love makes us big.
Big envelopes, full of good news.
“Dear Rachel,” the letter began.
“Welcome.”
What a wonderful word.
Amen and Amen!
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