We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 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. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Remember this, as believers, it isn't our goal to be running around pleasing ourselves. We have a higher calling, to be running around pleasing God. Seeing his glory and honour magnified in the world.
One of the ways we do that, is in how we treat others.
Seriously, think about that for a minute.
God lavishes all this love on us. We a weak, fairly insignificant (in some ways) specks on the earth compared to his greatness. YET.. of all that he made, God chose to make us in his image, and throughout history has made much of us...calling us his very own children, sending his Son to die for us... so that HIS glory can be seen throughout the earth.
Think about that a spell.
He rescued us from ourselves. He didn't have to. He chose to. Sending his Son, his very own beloved Son, to die for us. Making us right with him.
So how should we live? Should we live like we are all that?
NO... oh heavens. God calls us beyond ourselves. Just like he goes BEYOND himself. Holding his anger back, acting on our behalf.
Our response to those around us should be the same as God toward us. Being mindful of the weak. Building each other. We have an example you know? For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”
He knew our weakness but didn't lord it over us did he? Did he say "oh, well I know better you stupid silly things". He didn't. He took the time to teach and explain, to lead by example, to show us a much better way.
4 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.
He had his word written down, words of instruction that bring hope to us. Hope and encouragement and an ability to endure. This is what he gave us freely.
5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
So he asks this of us... to live in harmony with each other. Why? So with one voice we can glorify God who has done so much for us. Be welcoming, Be patient with each other. Teach and explain and lead by example. Not hurting the weak among us, but helping them to mature into the faith.
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Glorify God - what a goal. To glorify God in all that we say and do. That is part of our daily prayer with the girls. Such good thoughts on this passage.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Glorifying God is what we need to do
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