We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me. 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. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Romans 15:1-7

This afternoon I met up with a younger man for forty-five minutes or so. One thing I observed throughout our encounter was his constant use of words of encouragement. It was unexpected from such a young man in a very different season of life, but it reminded me of my responsibility found in the passage above to be an encouraging voice to others in my life.

Earlier in the book of Romans, Paul encouraged the Christians to do what they could to “live peaceably with all” when he was addressing how we treat our enemies.

Now he is instructing us to put our brothers and sisters in Christ ahead of ourselves by reminding us of the example of Christ. In the garden Christ asked to be spared the cup he faced on the cross, yet he accepted the will of the Father.

In a similar way, we should yield to God and we have the promise that “the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus…”

That unity and selflessness will be seen as we glorify God with our lives with “one voice.”

Is there another believer today with whom you can demonstrate a selfless attitude? – not to draw attention to yourself but to glorify God.