Welcoming Community: Embracing Hope, Healing, and Justice

Devotional

Day 1: Welcome One Another as Christ Has Welcomed You

Paul calls the church to radical hospitality, urging believers to welcome one another just as Christ has welcomed them, regardless of background or differences. True Christian community is not built on sameness or comfort, but on the gracious welcome that flows from God’s own heart. This welcome is not ours to withhold or ration; it is a gift we have received and are called to extend, even when it stretches us beyond our comfort zones. In a world that often draws lines and builds walls, the church is called to be a place where all are received, valued, and loved, reflecting the inclusive embrace of Jesus. [01:05:00]

Romans 15:7 (ESV)
"Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God."

Reflection: Who is someone in your life or community whom you find difficult to welcome? What is one step you can take this week to extend Christ’s welcome to them?

Day 2: God’s Plan Is to Bring All People Together

God’s covenant with Israel was always meant to be a blessing for the whole world, and through Christ, the barriers between people are broken down so that all can be included in God’s family. The divisions that once separated people—ethnicity, background, tradition—are overcome by God’s faithfulness and justice, making space for a new humanity united in Christ. This unity is not accidental but is the fulfillment of God’s ancient promises, as seen in the story of Abraham and echoed in the prophetic scriptures. The church is called to live out this vision, embodying a community where everyone belongs and God’s justice is made visible. [01:09:05]

Romans 15:8-12 (ESV)
"For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, 'Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.' And again it is said, 'Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.' And again, 'Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.' And again Isaiah says, 'The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.'"

Reflection: What is one way you can help break down barriers in your community, so that others may experience the unity and inclusion God desires?

Day 3: Community Is Messy, but Hope Makes It Possible

Living in true community is challenging and often uncomfortable, as differences and misunderstandings inevitably arise. Yet, it is precisely in these messy moments—when feelings are hurt and hard conversations are needed—that the presence of Christ can be most powerfully experienced. Hope is the anchor that keeps us together, giving us the courage to stay, listen, and work through conflict rather than walk away. When we hold on to hope, we discover the gift of reconciliation, deeper relationships, and the visible love of Jesus in our midst. [01:12:21]

Romans 15:13 (ESV)
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

Reflection: Think of a recent or ongoing conflict in your life. How might holding on to hope and staying engaged in the relationship change the outcome?

Day 4: Healing and Reconciliation Require Courage and Listening

True healing and reconciliation are possible when we have the courage to listen deeply to one another’s pain, without defensiveness or blame. The story of Georgetown University and the descendants of enslaved people shows that transformation begins when people are willing to enter discomfort, acknowledge wrongs, and seek understanding. Listening with humility and openness allows us to see the image of God in each person and to build bridges where there was once division. This kind of courageous listening is a powerful act of love that can lead to real change and lasting friendships. [01:20:27]

James 1:19 (ESV)
"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger."

Reflection: Who in your life needs you to listen to their story or pain without judgment? How can you create space for that conversation this week?

Day 5: Embracing Discomfort Leads to Joyful, Spirit-Filled Community

When we choose to remain in the discomfort of diversity and difference, rather than retreating to what is familiar, we open ourselves to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. It is in these spaces—where we hold on to one another through hard conversations and persistent love—that we experience the true joy, peace, and presence of Christ. The blessing of community is not found in avoiding messiness, but in embracing it with hope, faith, and a willingness to see Christ in each other. Over time, this commitment leads to deep friendships, healing, and a witness to the world of God’s reconciling love. [01:23:59]

Colossians 3:13-14 (ESV)
"Bear with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgive each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally embrace discomfort in your relationships or community this week, trusting that God will bring joy and growth through it?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered to reflect on the profound call to welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us, recognizing that true community is both a gift and a challenge. Our journey began by acknowledging the diversity within our own congregation and the importance of being known and called by name—a reminder that each person is precious to God and to us. We explored the story of Dolly Chug, whose family’s immigration to the United States was made possible by the hard-won victories of the Civil Rights Movement. Her realization that her own success was not just the result of hard work, but also of a system that finally began to open its doors, challenges us to see how justice and welcome are still incomplete in our society.

We then turned to Paul’s letter to the Romans, where he urges the early church to welcome one another, breaking down the barriers that divided Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul’s vision was radical: a new humanity, united not by sameness but by the reconciling work of Christ. He knew this would be messy and difficult, as it required people to live together across deep differences, to embrace discomfort, and to persist through conflict. Yet, Paul’s prayer was that God, the true source of justice and hope, would grant the community joy and peace as they learned to hold on to one another.

This call to Ubuntu—“I am because we are”—reminds us that our identity is bound up in the community we form, and that community is only possible when we are willing to engage in the hard work of reconciliation. The story of Georgetown University and the descendants of enslaved people illustrates what can happen when we choose to listen, to stay at the table, and to seek healing rather than revenge. Through courageous conversations, deep listening, and a willingness to invest in justice, a new foundation was laid—not just financially, but relationally, as friendships and hope were restored.

As we continue to build our own community, we are invited to embrace the messiness, to have the hard conversations, and to trust that Christ is present in our midst. It is in holding on to one another, even when it is difficult, that we experience the true joy and hope of God’s presence. May we go forth, willing to spread that hope, knowing that the work is hard, but the blessing is great.

Key Takeaways

1. True welcome is rooted in God’s initiative, not our own. We are called to extend the same radical hospitality that Christ has shown us, recognizing that our ability to welcome others is a reflection of God’s grace at work in us. This means moving beyond comfort and preference, and allowing God’s love to shape our openness to all people. [65:00]
2. Justice and inclusion are ongoing struggles, not completed tasks. The story of immigration reform and the Civil Rights Movement reminds us that systems of exclusion are deeply entrenched, and that even well-intentioned changes can fall short. We must remain vigilant, continually asking how our communities and institutions can more fully embody God’s vision of justice and welcome. [63:56]
3. Community is inherently messy, but it is in the mess that Christ’s presence is most powerfully revealed. Conflict, misunderstanding, and discomfort are not signs of failure, but opportunities for growth and deeper connection. When we stay engaged and refuse to let go of one another, we make space for the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. [71:00]
4. Healing and reconciliation require courageous listening and persistent hope. The Georgetown story shows that real healing comes not through blame or litigation, but through honest conversation, deep listening, and a willingness to invest in one another’s flourishing. This kind of hope is not naive; it is rooted in the conviction that God can bring new life even from the most painful histories. [79:55]
5. Our identity is found in community, and our calling is to build communities where everyone is seen, heard, and valued. Ubuntu teaches us that we are who we are because of our relationships with others. As we practice welcoming, listening, and holding on to one another, we participate in God’s ongoing work of creating a new humanity marked by justice, peace, and joy. [65:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[20:14] - The Gift of Presence and Community
[21:14] - Dolly Chug’s Story: Immigration and Civil Rights
[59:06] - The Roots of Immigration Reform
[61:23] - Unexpected Outcomes and Newcomers
[63:18] - The System and the Struggle for Justice
[64:41] - Paul’s Call to Radical Welcome
[65:15] - Ubuntu: I Am Because We Are
[66:02] - The Messiness of Early Christian Community
[67:50] - Breaking Down Barriers in Christ
[69:44] - God’s Justice vs. Empire’s Justice
[71:00] - Embracing Discomfort and Hope
[74:15] - Georgetown University and the Legacy of Slavery
[79:17] - Healing Circles and Courageous Listening
[81:52] - Building a Foundation for Justice and Friendship
[83:59] - Holding On to Each Other in Christ
[91:03] - Welcoming Our Youngest Members
[91:47] - Blessing and Sending Forth

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Romans 15:5-7 (ESV) — > May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Observation Questions

In Romans 15:5-7, what does Paul say is the source of our ability to live in harmony and welcome one another?
According to the sermon, what were some of the barriers between Jewish and Gentile believers in the early church? [01:06:39]
What does the word “Ubuntu” mean, and how was it described in the sermon? [01:05:15]
In the Georgetown University story, what specific steps did the descendants and the Jesuits take to begin the process of healing? [01:19:17]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul emphasizes that we are to “welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you”? What is the significance of Christ’s example for our own actions? (Romans 15:7)
The sermon described community as “messy” and full of discomfort. Why might God allow or even desire for community to be challenging at times? [01:11:00]
How does the story of Dolly Chug’s family challenge the idea that hard work alone is enough for success? What does this reveal about justice and welcome in our society? [01:03:18]
In the Georgetown story, why was listening—without blame or defensiveness—so important for reconciliation? [01:20:27]

Application Questions

Paul calls us to welcome others as Christ welcomed us. Think of someone in your life or community who is different from you or hard to welcome. What is one practical step you could take this week to extend Christ-like hospitality to them? [01:05:00]
The sermon talked about the ongoing struggle for justice and inclusion. Are there ways you have benefited from systems that were designed to include some and exclude others? How might you use your position to help create a more just and welcoming community? [01:03:56]
Community is described as “messy” and full of conflict at times. Can you recall a recent disagreement or uncomfortable moment in your church, family, or workplace? How did you respond, and what might it look like to “hold on to one another” instead of walking away? [01:11:00]
The Georgetown story showed the power of courageous listening and persistent hope. Is there a relationship in your life that needs healing? What would it look like to listen deeply and seek reconciliation, even if it’s uncomfortable? [01:19:55]
Ubuntu means “I am because we are.” How does this idea challenge the way you think about your own identity and your role in the community? What is one way you can help someone feel seen, heard, and valued this week? [01:05:32]
The sermon mentioned that true welcome is rooted in God’s initiative, not our own. When have you relied on your own strength to welcome others, and how might it look different to rely on God’s grace instead? [01:05:00]
The blessing at the end encouraged us to have hard conversations and spread hope. What is one “hard conversation” you’ve been avoiding, and what would it take for you to approach it with hope and courage this week? [01:31:47]

Sermon Clips

And so as followers of Jesus, people who have been welcomed by Jesus Christ himself, we are invited to welcome everyone else. Because we're not the source of that welcome. God is the source of that welcome. And so we're invited to welcome everyone. [01:04:50] (19 seconds) #WelcomeEveryone

God was there all along, that including everyone, including the Gentiles, was a part of God's plan all along, that God made a covenant with Israel first, but it was that through Israel that the entire world was to be included. [01:08:37] (18 seconds) #GodsInclusivePlan

Community is hard. I know, you know, we're preaching it, right? All year, preaching Ubuntu all year. And sometimes, I think that means we, we get tricked into thinking that it's easy. It is not easy. It is hard. People are going to hurt your feelings. People are going to have different views on things. People are going to understand God differently, react to God differently, relate to God differently. It is messy. And that's part of what makes it beautiful, is that wonderful mess. Because we are all so different. And it creates this beautiful diversity. [01:10:20] (40 seconds) #BeautifulMessOfCommunity

And I think that's what we need, when we're thinking about community, is we need hope. Hope that God loves every single one of us. Hope that Jesus truly has made community possible. Hope that if somebody steps on my toes, or if I step on somebody's toes, that they can come to me and say, you know, that really kind of hurt my feelings. And I can say, oh my gosh, I am so sorry. I will endeavor not to do it again. [01:11:28] (33 seconds) #HopeInCommunity

And yet, when I've had those conversations in my life, I truly have experienced the presence of Christ in those moments. Because it's easy to praise God when everything's going well. But when we experience this conflict, and we hang on to each other long enough to work through it, oh boy, that's when Jesus' love is truly visible to all of us. [01:12:13] (29 seconds) #ChristInConflict

We need this hope that says, you know, there's no shame. There's no blame. There's no searching for revenge. If we harm one another, we stay together and talk it out. We figure it out. And it may not be one conversation. It may happen over many, many, many conversations. But we don't let go of each other. Why? Because we have that hope. That hope that says God's going to allow us to work through these differences and to figure it out. [01:12:45] (34 seconds) #HopeHealsTogether

Conversations can be hard, the community is messy, but oh is it worth it. I pray that you will experience that blessing of having those challenging conversations so that you too can experience the power, the presence, and the hope of Jesus Christ. So go being willing to spread that hope to all that you meet. [01:32:04] (25 seconds) #BlessedByChallengingTalks

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