Colossians 4:10. "Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)" RECEIVE HIM. Every one of us in some way have left a reputation Behind us wherever we go, often made because of some situation. One may have shared in some difficult work and suffers the consequences. Another may be known for tearing down, or being a mender of fences.
When someone comes who we may not know, there is a protocol to follow. A letter written by those we know gives a testimony as to who we allow To keep the testimony of the local church before the community bright; It is a real safeguard when one who comes brings a letter another person did write.
This also keeps us aware of a change from what was in a person's past. When there is salvation or recovery made, the negative reputation should not last. The grace of God working in one's life often is a wonder to behold.
How good it is to receive such a one into the safety of God's fold.
To extend a welcome to those who come, often brings a blessing to us. The fellowship can strengthen the saints and his ministry we can trust When assurances have been given of his testimony in the place he left. The visitors can bless us and we can bless them when we follow the pattern set.
I have just recently experienced the same words myself - "We gladly receive him to our fellowship and appreciate his help." It may not seem to some a real big thing, but according to God's Word: The rest of the introduction was something like this, "We receive him in the name of the Lord."
"The pattern of gathering for Thy people, Father, is so simple and yet so right. There are no complicated formulas to follow or unusual handshakes; just expressions of Christian grace and love. What a blessing it is to be received by Thy people in places where I haven't been before. I thank Thee and praise Thee for the design for the fellowship of Thy people. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."