Romans 15:1-7 - "We Are Not To Please Ourselves"

Today, Thursday April 15 “We Are Not to Please Ourselves” Romans 15:1-7 Paul gives us three admonitions to encourage and motivate us to strive for harmony and unity in our fellowship of believers where there can be so much diversity. First, we should receive or welcome one another as God and Christ as welcomed us. This whole section begins and ends with this thought (14:1 and 15:7). Then we should only do those things that edify or build up each other (14:19 and 15:2). And the third thing we should do is be so considerate of others that instead of pleasing or satisfying ourselves we please others with our thoughtful and considerate attitudes and actions (15:1-7). I feel impressed to let these verses speak for themselves! “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.” I trust that the “encouragement of the Scriptures” will give you hope today as the “God of endurance and encouragement” gives you everything you need to love and live-in harmony with those who might be so different than you. And may God help us to do everything we do for the “glory of God.” God bless!