Romans 15:1-6 Amplified Bible
1 WE WHO are strong [in our convictions and of robust faith] ought to bear with the failings and the frailties and the tender scruples of the weak; [we ought to help carry the doubts and qualms of others] and not to please ourselves.
2 Let each one of us make it a practice to please (make happy) his neighbor for his good and for his true welfare, to edify him [to strengthen him and build him up spiritually].
3 For Christ did not please Himself [gave no thought to His own interests]; but, as it is written, The reproaches and abuses of those who reproached and abused you fell on Me.(A)
4 For whatever was thus written in former days was written for our instruction, that by [our steadfast and patient] endurance and the encouragement [drawn] from the Scriptures we might hold fast to and cherish hope.
5 Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,
6 That together you may [unanimously] with united hearts and one voice, praise and glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).
Of course another good Scripture. God's Word is always good and always on time. The apostle is saying in this Scripture that the ones who are strong in the Lord are to lift up the weak Believers. We are to be an example of Christ to them. We are to pray for them and exhort God and show them by example that we glorify Him and we are to show them the way to do this. This is all for the glory of God. These examples are for the good of our fellow Believers in Christ. Our conduct will affect others so we need to be on guard at all times because not only fellow Believers are watching us but all the ones that are in the world. They look to see how we react to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. If they see us putting our brother and sisters down, then they will see that we are no different then the world. Everything that is written in the Bible is for our instruction and it is our duty to use patience, comfort and give others hope. The Old Testament was written for New Testament believers also. What a prayer it is that we may give Him glory in unity, out of one accord! What an awesome prayer that would be!
As Believers, we should not try to please others for selfish reasons but to help them build their relationship with Jesus. We must not cast others aside because they might be in sin but help them so they can become better Believers. Even though we sin too, Jesus treats us with forgiveness and helps us always so should we treat others with forgiveness and to help them become better in their walk with Him. We shouldn't just tolerate other believers but be loving to to them, care for and work with each other to better the walk with Jesus. So let's lift up our brothers and sisters and encourage them in their walk with Jesus for their good and for the good of the Kingdom. I pray that we all do this as one - in unity.
