Daily Word

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.” Romans 15:1-4. Paul considers himself one of the “”strong”. He sees the misinformed conscience of the “weak” as real weakness, yet he emphasizes the responsibility of the “strong” to support the “weak.” He does not encourage feelings of pride, or flaunting one’s freedom in matters offensive to the weak. Paul quotes from Psalm 69:9, one of the most frequently quoted Psalms in the NT. The willingness of the Messiah to deny Himself and suffer for the benefit of others should serve as an example to the Christians in Rome. How much effort to you put into building up those around you compared to that which you invest into building yourself up? 1.10.13