Romans 15:3,5
Ever notice how our own wants sometimes get in the way of building strong bonds in our church family?
It’s a common struggle, giving in to the thought, “I need to be happy,” even if it means others might not be. But, here’s the thing – the wise words of Paul guide us on why the well-being of our church family should be our top priority.
1. Following in Christ’s Footsteps: Paul points us to the ultimate example of selflessness – Jesus. “Even Christ did not please Himself,” (Romans 15:3). Looking at Jesus’ life, we see someone with a kind and caring heart, always putting God’s plan before His own wishes. His sacrifice on the cross shows us the importance of putting others first.
Praying for a similar mindset, Paul wishes, “May God help you all think the same way, following the example of Christ Jesus,” (Romans 15:5). It’s like a call for all of us to unite and work toward a common goal, just like Jesus did.
2. Giving Up What We Want: Being a Christian means sometimes giving up our own wishes for the good of the church family. Think about how big Jesus’ sacrifice was, and suddenly, our sacrifices seem pretty small. Jesus, took on the troubles of others with lots of love. Shouldn’t we, His followers, do the same?
This might mean letting go of what we want to make sure our church family is strong and united. It’s like saying, “My way isn’t the only way.”
3. Helping Each Other Out: Following Jesus’ lead, we’re asked to help each other out when times are tough. Just like Jesus took on our troubles, we should be there for others, putting their needs before ours. It’s about having a caring heart, understanding the struggles of those around us.
In the big picture of our church family, every person matters. When we give up our own wishes to help others, it’s like weaving a strong and tight-knit community.
In a nutshell, as Christians, we’re asked to show love by putting others first. Let’s learn from Jesus’ example and make it our goal to care for our church family over our own desires. By doing that, we help build a community that reflects the love of our Savior – lasting and selfless.
For a devotion on Romans 15:2,6 click here.
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