Romans 15 -- Christ Accepted ME, So ....

Paul again tells the spiritually strong Christians to do the right thing by helping the spiritually weak Christians with their weaknesses.  In light of what he’s been talking about, this would likely mean abstaining from anything the weaker Christians still felt was sinful, even though the stronger Christian didn’t believe that way.  But it also just might have been the start of accountability.  It also involves some sacrifice on the part of the stronger Christians, for Paul tells them not to be trying to please only themselves.  But just to keep things in perspective, my commentary asks:  “Does a strong Christian think he is making a great sacrifice by giving up some food or drink?  Then let him measure his sacrifice by the sacrifice of Christ.  No sacrifice we could ever make could match Calvary.”

 

God included a booster shot for me today as well.  “The Scriptures give us patience and encouragement so that we can have hope.  Patience and encouragement come from God.”

 

Finally, I remembered verse 7, which should knock our props out from under us if and when we begin to think we can judge other Christian brothers:  “Christ accepted YOU, so you should accept each other.”

 

Father, I’ve been in need of encouragement and hope this week.  Thank You for providing it.  Thank You also for reminding me that any sacrifice I must make to help one of my weaker Christian brothers is nothing compared to what Christ did for me.  And if He could accept me, then I certainly need to accept all others.

 

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford