An Example of Christ
Romans 15:1–13
📖 Scripture
1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.
3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”
4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,
6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed
9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.”
10 Again, it says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”
11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him.”
12 And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.”
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
💡 Scripture Summary
Believers who are strong are to bear with the failings of the weak and try to please others for their good. Paul reminds believers that Scripture’s instruction leads to hope. He prays for unity of mind so they may glorify God together and ends with a prayer for them to be overflowing with the Holy Spirit.
🔎 Reflection
Endurance Builds Oneness (15:1–6)
Paul exhorts the believers to bear with one another and please others above themselves, resembling Christ, who did not seek to please Himself but endured the insults of others. We are encouraged to follow His example, learning from what was written in the past in the Scriptures, which teach us about endurance and inspire us to have hope. Then, we are able to bear with one another’s differences, embrace each other, and become of one mind and one voice. We are reminded that, when we face difficulties within the church, we can look to Christ, who gave Himself up to fulfill the perfect will of God. May we humbly commit ourselves to becoming one in Christ for His glory.
What causes you to lose patience with other believers? Ask God to give you the endurance that Jesus Christ showed.
Acceptance Brings Praise (15:7–13)
Citing many different Old Testament passages, Paul proves the point that Scripture teaches us to accept one another, just as Christ accepted us. When we show such unity and grace, we bring praise to God. His divine plan was to bring His people together, and that plan continues today. Therefore, as His children, we submit to the will of our Father and follow the example of Christ, choosing to love and accept one another. When we encounter differences in the church, we do not need to respond with judgment or criticism that divides the community. Rather, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be filled with joy and peace as we trust in the God of hope and offer our praises to Him.
Who in your church do you find difficult to accept? Bring your frustrations to God, and ask Him to give you a deeper revelation of how Christ has accepted you so that you might be inspired to accept others.
📜 Memory Verse
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
– Romans 14:19
💬 Today’s Inspiration
“The result of this messianic mind is two things: first, consensus and concord where it matters . . . second, worship, coming together with ‘one voice’ to glorify the God and Father of their Lord Jesus.”
– Michael F. Bird
🙏 Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for the perfect example of Your Son who shows me how to accept and live harmoniously with those around me. Help me to bear and endure and accept and love for Your kingdom and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
🖋 Essay
Examples Worth Following
“Who are your role models?” If I were asked this question, I would first mention my mother. From an early age, she taught me to revere God, cherish the church, meditate on the Bible, and pray in all circumstances. With more than just her words, she modeled these things in her actions and the way she lived her life.
I also look up to my senior pastor. As I was learning about ministry, he guided my growth and helped draw out the leadership potential within me. He also offered insights that broadened my perspective and challenged me to draw nearer to God. When I left for a mission in Thailand, I wrote to him that, wherever I went, I would remember and live out all he had taught and shown me.
From my mother and my senior pastor, I have learned that the best role models are those who not only teach with words but also live out what they say. In today’s passage, Paul reminds us that the Scriptures testify to the example of Christ, which we as believers are called to follow: His endurance, His willingness to bear with others, His mercy and acceptance, and His humility. All of these are written for us so that we may learn from Him, become more like Him, and glorify God through our lives. As we devote ourselves to the daily reading of Scripture and make an effort to live out its teachings, we will find ourselves becoming more like our Lord Jesus Christ.
Written by Juyoung Kim