Romans 15:1-6

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 for his good, to his edification.
3: For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “THE REPROACHES OF THOSE WHO REPROACHED YOU FELL 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 accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

*** 

Once again, it was up to the "strong"—those who knew their freedom in Christ—to bear the weaknesses of those without strength—those who didn’t know of, or doubted, the freedom He had provided. The strong ought to make the adjustment for the weak and deny themselves a privilege if it would cause their brother to stumble.

It reminds me of a parent taking a child on a walk but dragging him along by the hand because he can’t keep up. Instead of slowing down to his pace so they can both enjoy the walk. The stronger makes the adjustment for the weaker. Paul quoted Psalm 69:9 and said that even Christ did not please Himself but took on the reproaches of those who reproached God. If Jesus didn’t take advantage of His rights and privileges, then why should we?

Paul added that these things were written, in fact all Scripture was written, for our instruction so we may follow the Lord’s example and persevere with encouragement and hope. In fact, God gives perseverance and encouragement to us so we may be of the same mind with one another, and with the Lord, to the glory of God.

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