Continue the good work – Romans 15:1-13
We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor. 3 For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6 so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Gospel for Jews and Gentiles Alike
7 Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
“Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles,
and sing praises to your name”;
10 and again he says,
“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people”;
11 and again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
and let all the peoples praise him”;
12 and again Isaiah says,
“The root of Jesse shall come,
the one who rises to rule the Gentiles;
in him the Gentiles shall hope.”
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
What does the Passage Say?
V. 1-6 Paul urges the believers to help the ones who do not have strong faith. He says, “strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak” (v. 1 NRSV). We are not to live our lives to please ourselves, but to follow what Jesus has done; to live a life for others. To put others need first before ours, in a culture of self-centeredness, is counter-cultural. We can’t do this by ourselves, but only through the Spirit. Paul says, “May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus” (v. 5 NRSV).
V. 7-13 Paul says that us living in harmony is a plan of God that was testified through the Old Testament. There are some who separates Old Testament and the New Testament, but we shouldn’t. We should be able to see how God’s promise prevails and how, from the beginning of creation, God had us in mind to build a relationship with us. God intended us to live with and according to the Spirit, as we grow deep in this relationship.
What does this mean to me/ us?
I love how Paul describes our lives, putting others before us, becomes a way of worship. As we live in harmony with others, the love we have in Christ becomes a praise to our Lord. The Message says, “Then we’ll be a choir – not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus” (v. 6 The Message). How much effort do we put into living in this harmony? It requires extra work. It requires patience. It requires the love that only comes from the Lord. We don’t have it, but if we ask God will pour it out for us to live in harmony.
Lord, we are trying to live according to your words and commands. We can’t do it alone, so send your Spirit upon us. May we live according to your love, and through the strength poured out by the Spirit, may we praise you through our peace. In Christ Name, Amen.
What are your thoughts?
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