We wrap up week 8 in Romans, concluding the book with chapters 15 and 16.
Today’s notes:
Romans 15:1-3 (NIV)
1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”
Romans 15:5-7 (NIV)
5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.7Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
I love what Paul says here about the importance of unity as believers. I’ll admit, it’s probably because I get so fed up with believers nit-picking each other to death over points of Scripture where disagreement really doesn’t mean a whole lot. I honestly believe that much of arises not so much out of a desire for Biblical correctness, but out of selfish pride, as much as many would argue to the contrary.
Why? Paul writes in Romans 15:1 that we ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Are we really bearing with the weak when we see another believer that has fallen based on our understanding of debatable Scriptures and we jump all over them trying to make them see the issue as we do? Do our disagreements prevent us from glorifying God with united hearts? Do our arguments bring praise to God?
I know I’m ranting a bit here, but this is an issue that bothers me a lot.
What about you? What are your thoughts on these verses?
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