Accept, Embrace, and Love One Another in Christ
Scripture Passage: Romans 15:1-13 (NASB)-
1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not just please ourselves. 2 Each of us is to please his neighbor or his good, to his edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: “The taunts of those who taunt You have fallen on Me.” 4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one purpose and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us, for the glory of God. 8 For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision in behalf of the truth of God, to confirm the promises given to the fathers, 9 and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written:
“Therefore I will give praise to You among the Gentiles,
And I will sing praises to Your name.”
10 Again he says,
“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with His people.”
11 And again,
“Praise the Lord all you Gentiles,
And let all the peoples praise Him.”
12 Again Isaiah says,
“There shall come the root of Jesse,
And He who arises to rule over the Gentiles,
In Him will the Gentiles hope.”
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
SUMMARY
Paul writes that those who are strong (as Christians) need to bear the failings of the weak, to build them up, just as Christ bore the insults meant for others. Paul prays that God will grant the Roman church to be of the same mind with each other, so that the entire church can glorify God with “one purpose and one voice.” Paul quotes several passages from the Old Testament that the Gentiles, not just the Jews, will praise the Lord.
REFLECTION
Paul continues to press the church to be unified, Jew and Gentile, so that the entire church can serve its true purpose – to glorify God. Considering how much Paul has repeatedly emphasized this point throughout the past few chapters (and in fact the whole book of Romans), this point must really have weighed heavily on Paul’s mind and heart. And it must have been something that the early church struggled with. Jews were taught from birth that they and they alone were God’s chosen people. Even though they had now accepted Jesus Christ, it must have still seemed like heresy for Paul and other Christians to say that Gentiles were not only Christians too but equal to the Jews.
Instead of just commanding the Jews to accept this, Paul skillfully uses logic and even the Old Testament to prove his point that God accepts and desires praise and worship from everyone, including Gentiles.
APPLICATION
It seems like God is telling me constantly these days through so many different channels to wake up, get out of my shell, and be accepting and loving of people around me, even those with backgrounds. I like to think of myself as very tolerant of all different kinds of people, but that’s only in theory. The reality is, if I’m going to spend time with people, it’s almost always with people who are superficially like me - Korean-American, Christian, about my age, usually with kids who are my kid’s age. Why is it so hard for me to reach out and make a connection with people who are different? Yet the very few times I’ve done so (especially at work, where I’ve encountered long-lasting friends and mentors of different ethnicities and beliefs than me), it’s been incredibly rewarding for me.
Paul asks for unity in the church. God’s church is bigger than Holywave. I will try to re-establish and strengthen spiritual connections especially with my fellow Christians at work. I can’t do this on my own, as my own personality is self-centered and I generally want to spend time with the minimum number of people possible. But as Pastor Andy said this past week, God uses everyone. My sinful nature qualifies me to be His vessel, amazingly.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the privilege of being Your vessel and Your vehicle to spread Your word to the ends of the earth. As dirty and cracked as this vessel is, somehow You still fill it to overflowing with Your Holy Spirit. Please fill me with love and remembrance of Your love and sacrifice, that I might overflow to all those around me, whether at home, church, work, or elsewhere. Help me not to see race, status, background, or beliefs. Help me to see those around me only as You see them – as Your children, Your beloved children.
In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.
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