COMPLETE HARMONY

Romans 15:1-6
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Living to Please Others

1 We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. 2 We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. 3 For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” 4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.


In Friday’s Gospel Pearl devotion, I changed the example Paul was using (food) to make a point about being a stumbling block to other believers. I instead used the issue of race which we are struggling with today. Some may have felt I took liberty with the scriptures which was beyond the intent of Paul’s message. That is left for you to judge but we can’t miss what Paul writes in the immediate proceeding verses.

He encourages “…all followers of Christ Jesus…” to “…live in complete harmony with each other.” If Paul was living today and witnessing our modern day struggle, I believe his encouragement would be exactly the same as it was for the 1st century church.

I look forward to the day when we will all “…join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”