READ: Rom. 15:1–6: For even Christ did not please Himself … For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. … that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Every church member is called to direct himself in faith and love toward others. Not merely to think and pursue what you yourself desire, but also to consider what this means for others in the congregation.
First of all, we must remain obedient to the Lord, and precisely for that reason also bear with what the weak do. However, this is not in everything. It must be for edification and mutual fellowship and not for the destruction of the congregation (v.2). In Gal. 6:2 Paul also writes: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
This bearing goes further than tolerating; we must make every effort to help the weak further, for their good. In verse 3 Paul points out that the Lord Jesus Christ has given us the example for this. He fully fulfilled what David says in Ps. 69:9: Because zeal for Your house has eaten me up, and the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me.
The intention of this reference is: if Christ has endured so much, should we not be willing to forgo something subordinate for the sake of our brothers and sisters?
Christ as example in His love for us leaves intact His unique atoning sacrifice as Redeemer, which we certainly cannot imitate. It concerns Christ’s love, obedience, and humility, which He has also shown in our place. See, among others, John 13:15; Eph. 5:1–2; Phil. 2:5–8; 1 Pet. 2:21–23; 1 John 2:6.
All this was also written for us, for our perseverance and for like-mindedness in the congregation to the honor of God and Christ.
Do you test your own conduct by the love of Christ?
Singing: Ps. 19:6