Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.  Romans 15:7

Jesus knows what it is to be unwelcomed, to be derided and mocked.  It was 9 o’clock in the morning when they crucified Him between two thieves.  The charge against Him read, “The King Of The Jews”; innocent, as He’s Savior of the world.   Those who passed by Him on the Cross derided Him saying “save yourself, come down from the cross.” And the chief priests and scribes mocked Him sneering, “He saved others; he cannot save himself.  Let the Messiah, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.”   (Mark 15:29-32)

Though derided, mocked, and taunted, Jesus Son of God chooses to stay on the Cross, firm in His Passion to give us salvation from His pierced hands and wounded heart.  Even still, the two thieves on their crosses to His right and left taunt Him.  Yet through His agonizing death, His Passion for sinners, He repeatedly offers mercy and forgiveness.  Jesus knows the hearts of these folks who are unwelcoming and unkind and yet He forgives and invites them into the Kingdom of Heaven if only they would come to Him.

Do you find there a few unwelcoming folks in your life also?  Jesus’ salvation is available for them yet how will they know Him if you treat them any way other than how Jesus treated others?  Become enabled by Jesus; just ask Him for it.  Jesus enables you to give them magnificent mercy–  He powerfully loves those folks with His whole heart.  Pray for their forgiveness.  Refuse to give up on their abilities to repent and give their lives over to His welcoming salvation freely offered

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