Welcome the weak in faith

As I look at the church, I think our attitude generally can be described as the antithesis of Paul's command:

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. (Romans 14:1)

We tend to reject those who are weak in faith, and if we do accept them, it is to prove their opinions wrong. Yet Paul brilliantly interweaves both conviction, "Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind" with love, "So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding" (v5, 19).

This is what sets us free to welcome the weak in faith! We can be convinced without despising; we can love without passing judgment. We welcome the weak not to convince them that we are right, but to draw them to more complete trust in Christ!