'We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves; let each of us please our neighbor for the good, for building up. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, “The insults of those who insult you fall upon me.” For whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus, that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 15:1-6).'
Those who are strong in faith are counseled to either help the weak to bear their burdens or be patient with them because they are not mature in the faith. The strong in faith should help the personal development of the weak so that the community is built up. Christ gave us the example. His sacrifice was motivated by love for us so we must in turn be motivated by love to please others, not ourselves, thereby uplifting our brothers and sisters and strengthening the Church. In so doing we glorify God.
Almighty God, Jesus Christ bore our sins in his body and healed us by his wounds. Help us to practice the same charity by having our eyes fixed on Christ as we strengthen our brothers and sisters while building up his Church. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
__________________________________
References:
Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, & Roland E. Murphy, (Eds.). (1990, 1968). The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentis Hall, Inc.
Jose M. Casciaro, Santiago Ausin, Gonzalo Aranda, Claudio Basevi, Vincente Balaguer, Francisco Varo, James Gavigan, Brian McCarthy & Thomas McGovern (Eds.). (2017). The Navarre Bible - New Testament. Dublin 8, Ireland: Four Courts Press.
Comments