Our scripture today is Romans 15:1-6.
But we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not just please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself, but just as it is written, “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” For everything that was written in former times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we may have hope. Now may the God of endurance and comfort give you unity with one another in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In this passage Paul writes to believers in Rome with a lesson on encouragement. Christians there were persecuted as severely as any within the empire, perhaps more. Here Paul reminds them that “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me”, a quote pointing to Christ in Psalm 69:9.
Paul also teaches that the lessons from long ago were “written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we may have hope”. God’s word and the example Jesus showed us are the standards we must live by. We are called to proclaim this truth with the world.
He closes this section with a blessing that they may “with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”. No matter what our circumstances here on earth, we know that the love of God is reaching out to us always. This is the heart of every lesson, that in everything we do we honor Christ’s sacrifice for us and praise God for His mercy.
Loving Lord, we are grateful for the gift of our savior and the love He shared with us. May we be energetic in our discipleship, carrying the Good News everywhere. Amen.
