Romans 15:1-7 Paul's Third Admonition

Paul's third admonition was to please one another, my commentary said.  He was dealing with selfishness among Christians.  "True Christian love is not selfish; rather, it seeks to share with others and make others happy.  It is even willing to carry the younger Christians, to help them along in their spiritual development.  We do not endure them.  We encourage them."

"A person's spiritual maturity is revealed by his discernment.  He is willing to give up his rights that others might be helped ... the mature believer sacrifices to help younger Christians grow in the faith."

"Paul shared two sources of spiritual power from which we must draw if we are to live to please others -- the Word of God and prayer ... the Word of God can give us the patience and encouragement that we need.  This suggests that the local church must major in the Word of God and prayer ... The result of this is glory to God.  Disunity and disagreement do not glorify God; they rob Him of glory."

Father, help me to have spiritual discernment when dealing with other Christians and help me not to let selfishness enter my heart.  I want You to get the glory.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford