Romans 15:1-7
Scripture: Romans 15:1-7 (ESV)
“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, ‘The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.’ For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 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.”
Devotion:
Imagine you’re part of a team where everyone genuinely looks out for each other, not merely to win games or earn accolades, but to help each member grow stronger, even when it costs them something. We tear up at these sort of things when we see them in real life. Think of that youtube clip of a kid who chooses to let the opposing team member score a goal, because they felt sorry for them. Think of the marathon runner who takes pity on the person coming second, and then helps them cross the finish line. It’s a rare thing in life, but it is beautiful. This is the kind of relationship Paul describes in Romans 15.
In the chapters leading up to this, Paul has been dealing with divisions in the Roman church—disputes over what to eat, what to drink, and how to honor holy days. It’s within this context of disagreement that Paul introduces this idea of sacrificing our rights in order to support those who are weaker in the faith. Those who are “strong” have a responsibility to ought to shoulder the weaknesses of the “not-so-strong.” But here’s our main problem: too often, we focus on pleasing ourselves, our comforts, our opinions, and our conveniences. Too often do we insist on our freedoms, even when they hurt the immature believer.
So how do we fix that heart problem? Paul points us back to Jesus as the ultimate example. Jesus, who was the strongest of us all, did not live to please Himself. Instead, He took on our sin, the suffering that was meant for us, and bore it all on the cross. Did he HAVE to do this? No. But in doing so he laid down a pattern for us to follow. The stronger bears the burden of the weaker.
Where in your life are your spiritual actions negatively affecting the weaker brother or sister? Perhaps it is time to reconsider whether you really should be doing those things…
Prayer:
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Heavenly Father, thank You for the perfect example of selflessness in Your Son, Jesus. Help us to not merely look out for our own interests, but to bear the burdens of those who are weak, and in doing so, build a stronger, more loving community. Teach us to live in harmony, that we may glorify You with one voice. Amen.
Spiritual Challenge:
Today, consider how you might help lift someone up. It could be as simple as a word of encouragement, offering your time, or stepping into an uncomfortable space to help someone in need. In doing this, remember, you’re walking in the footsteps of Christ.