Romans 15:1-7 "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbours for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”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. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. "
In a similar way to yesterday’s reading from Romans 14, Paul continues to exhort his readers to bear the failings of the weak. The idea is not to just “put up with” but “bear with.” The Greek word means “to support as a burden.” It’s the same word used when Christ “bore” our sins on the cross. Our sins weren’t just a passing weight – but He supported us by bearing our sins. He will bear the marks of that burden for all of eternity on His hands and feet.
Sometime we view the way someone else behaves, or their attitude we often assume it as a weakness. But in discipleship terms, how do we handle people who disagree with us? Paul gives us some good advice on how to listen actively, respond prayerfully, and watch circumspectly when dealing with the less mature in Christ.
Or could it be said that it is a sign of our immaturity the way we look upon another in a derogatory manner. John Ruskin once said, “the individual who is wrapped up in himself makes a very small parcel.” Whilst another writer said, “Be assertive, but not arrogant. Believe in yourself, but believe in God more.” Hence Paul puts such faithful living as, “live in complete harmony with each other—each with the attitude of Christ toward the other.”
The story is told of a learned professor who went to visit an old monk who was famous for his wisdom. The monk graciously welcomed him into his temple and offered him a seat on a cushion. No sooner had the professor sat down than he launched into a long, wordy account of his own accomplishments, his own knowledge, his own theories and opinions. The monk listened quietly for awhile and then asked politely, “Would you like some tea?”
The professor nodded, smiled and kept right on talking. The monk handed him a teacup and began pouring tea from a large pot. The tea rose to the brim of the cup, but the monk kept right on pouring while the professor kept right on talking. Finally the professor noticed what was going on, leaped to his feet and demanded, “What are you doing? Can’t you see that the cup is overflowing?” To which the monk replied, “This cup is like your mind. It can’t take in anything new because it’s already full.”
All I do and say.
May the word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through his pow'r.
May the peace of God, my Father,
Rule my life in ev'rything,
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing.
May the love of Jesus fill me
As the waters fill the sea.
Him exalting, self abasing:
This is victory.
May we run the race before us,
Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus
As we onward go.
No comments:
Post a Comment