Presence

"Christ died and lived again in order to be Master of the dead and of the living," Romans 14:9.

So that's why we welcome each other, brothers and sisters. We don't make a big deal out of our differences. We don't despise a weak brother or sister whose faith limits the types of food they eat. We don't pass judgment on a brother or sister whose faith frees them from such dietary restrictions. Whether strong or weak in faith, all intend to honor the Lord even in different ways of thinking. So, if we live, we live to the Lord. If we die, we die to Lord. All, each of us, will stand before God's judgment seat to give an account of our own (not someone else's) lives to him. Sky kingdom: righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

We welcome a brother or sister today as fellow servants of the same Master, despite our differing thoughts. And, together, we praise God who raises us all up into the welcome of his presence.