Living a Christlike Life: Bearing One Another's Weaknesses
“1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”[a] 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 15 emphasizes a practical Christian life, extending beyond doctrinal teachings in the earlier chapters of the epistle. Paul encourages the strong in faith to bear the weaknesses of the weak and not to please themselves (15:1). This means that true Christian maturity lies not in criticizing or judging others, but in supporting and serving them in their weaknesses. Those who are strong in faith should not boast in their belief but rather help and care for those who are weaker in faith with patience and love.
Paul also exhorts that each person should seek to please their neighbor for their good, to build them up (15:2). Pleasing others should not merely be about maintaining good relationships, but about promoting goodness and edification. As Christians, we should treat others with sincere love and respect, and while our goal is to please our neighbors, our actions must go deeper than just outward behavior. Through our actions, we should reflect God and build others up.
Paul emphasizes that the most important aspect of living out faith is being united with one another by following Christ (15:5). This doesn’t mean agreeing on everything, but rather that even with our differences and discomforts, we should imitate Christ and glorify God by worshiping and growing together in unity.
Prayer: May we not seek to accomplish great deeds for our own glory but rather bring glory to You by praising You and embracing Your grace deeply. Help us to mature in faith, accept one another, and grow in Christlikeness within our church community.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)
Devotional content is available on the Our Daily Bread website.