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Priscilla: Romans 15:1-7
The Example of Christ

1 But we, the strong ones, ought to bear the weaknesses of those not strong, and not to please ourselves.

2 For let each one of us please his neighbor for good, to building up.

3 For also Christ did not please Himself, but even as it has been written, “The curses of those cursing You fell on Me.” LXX-Psa. 68:10; MT-Psa. 69:9

4 For whatever things were written before were written for our instruction, that through patience and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

5 And may the God of patience and encouragement give to you to mind the same thing among one another according to Christ Jesus,

6 that with one accord and with one mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Because of this, receive one another as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.

[Literal Translation of the Holy Bible]

Dear God, my beloved Father, today I offer You my meditation on Romans 15:1-7 about the example of Christ.

Dear God, I understand verses 1 and 2 to mean that those members of the Church who deeply understand Your Word and have a strong faith have a duty to support our brothers and sisters in Christ who are weaker in faith. They should be eager to share, comfort, encourage, and help those who are weak in faith through difficult situations so that they can grow in faith. If the brothers and sisters who are weaker in faith sin due to ignorance, those who have strong faith should be patient, teach them Your Word, and help them to understand so that they will not sin unintentionally. They should be encouraged to keep learning Your Word so that they can mature in faith.

Dear God, I understand verse 3 to mean that Christ didn’t seek to please Himself but always obeyed You, Father. He offered His life as a sacrifice to redeem humanity from sin. He was insulted and suffered, but didn’t say a word.

Dear God, I understand verse 4 to mean that everything written in the Bible is for teaching us about a faithful and obedient life of worshiping You, obeying You, and keeping Your commandments. Your laws help us live without sinning and are useful for teaching and comforting us during trials and tribulations. The Bible helps us to be patient, wait, and trust in Your deliverance. It is the foundation of our faith and helps us live according to Your will in every situation in life.

Dear God, I understand verses 5 and 6 as follows: Today, You still wait patiently for everyone to receive Your salvation. You are patient with all people and want them to be saved and understand the truth. You want Your people to live a new, holy life with the same faith and mind, loving and uniting as one in Christ. Through this, all Your people in the Church will have the same thoughts and the same heart to honor and obey You. The Lord Jesus Christ is also waiting outside the hearts of many of Your people, knocking and waiting for them to truly give up everything to receive Him. They are people who still live a life hostile to Him, not truly giving up sinful pleasures to live the new, holy life that He has given them.

Dear God, I understand verse 7 as follows: Your people must have love for one another, accepting each other for the sake of God. Your people must forgive the weak when they make mistakes and sin against them, for just as Christ forgave us, we must also accept and forgive one another in the same way. By doing so, we all unite in Christ, clothed in the glory that God has bestowed upon the Church.

May the Father keep me in unity with God, and with my brothers and sisters in the Church forever and ever. Amen!

In the grace of Jesus Christ, my Lord.

Priscilla Christian Huynh
04/11/2023