Our Example

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.
Romans 15:1-7
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Our Example
We are an opinionated bunch, we humans. We desire to be right at all costs. We believe that everyone is entitled to our opinion. We want to set the example of all others. In previous verses, Paul has dealt with quarrels over opinions and here resolves them. There are strong and weak among us in the Church. We should follow Christ’s example of accepting and striving to please others. Despite our sins and weaknesses, Christ bore the reproaches our sins deserved and welcomed us into God’s family. Let us all agree on that and may Christ’s cross ever be before our eyes. May our heavenly Father lead us into His Word, where we receive endurance, encouragement, and hope from Him. May He continue to empower us then to welcome others, especially those weak in faith.