August 14, 2018

BEING STRONG...FOR OTHERS

Romans 15:1-3

We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.”

Personal Challenge

Christ gave us only two commandments to live by if we are to claim to be His followers. They are to love our God and to love our neighbor. Everything that we can do in our lives to glorify God falls into these two actions. Paul reminds us of this when he instructs the Christians of Rome to be strong for those around them who are weak and to bear with their weaknesses. This bearing is not just putting up with them, but lifting them up in their weaknesses and helping them to be stronger. This is what Jesus did for us when He died on the cross so that He could bear our sins for us. Clear commands and expectations, but a lifetime of struggle and humbling to live them out. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!