Romans 15:1-3

Passage

And we – the ones who are powerful enough – are under an obligation to endure the limited capacity of the ones who are not powerful and to not please ourselves.  Let each of us please our neighbor into good for the sake of edification.  For Christ also did not please Himself but just as it has been written, “The disparaging insults of the ones who insult you disparagingly fell upon me.”

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Obligation.  Isn’t that a great word that everyone hates?  Paul tells us that those who are spiritually strong are under an obligation to endure the limited capacity of the spiritually weak.  This has been a theme of the end of Romans.  We must not cause our brother to stumble.  We must not do things that bring offense to others.  It is an obligation of the spiritually strong.  Of course, this doesn’t mean that we hand authority and leadership to the weak and then have to put up with their limited capacity.  It means that we are diligent to give tasks to the spiritually weak that they can handle and then manage their success or failure.  But we must not disparage the weak or treat them in an inferior manner.

Do you think you are spiritual weak or spiritually powerful?  Do you have issues dealing with the limited capacity of others?

Second Thought:

What is the main reason for this policy of putting up with the limited capacity of others?  We should desire edification.  We should desire the opportunity to build others up.  We should look for opportunities to lift up one another and give each other opportunities to grow.  We don’t put up with one another’s limitations because we have to; we do it because we want them to grow and learn and become spiritually strong!  We do it for the sake of discipleship.

Do you see the world through the eyes of discipleship?  Are looking into the world and even into your own congregation to see opportunities to disciple?

Third Thought:

Finally, Paul reminds us of one more very important reason.  Christ bore us and our limited capacity.  While we were yet sinners, He died for us.  He took us when we had no capacity, died for us, endured our insult, and made a way for us to grow spiritually strong.  It is the way of our Lord.  If it is His way, it should be our way as well.

Do you realize what God did for you through Christ?  Why is it important to remember Christ’s work?  Why is it easy for us to forget that we were once spiritually weak?

Passage for Tomorrow: Romans 15:4-7