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Day 14: Romans 14-1 Corinthians 7

Kevin Tipps, Executive Pastor at UPPERROOM

“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written, ‘The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.’” Romans 15:1-3

In the first six verses of chapter 15, Paul instructs us to express our love for one another by building up those who are weak. As beautiful as this exhortation sounds, to “love our neighbor as ourselves” often comes with a costly price of inconvenience. Loving others is a supernatural journey to traverse.

Let’s be honest—it's actually an impossible one to travel faithfully if we embark upon it in our own strength. But be encouraged as I remind you of a truth Paul shared with us just a few chapters ago: the source of not only our salvation but also the power for the Christian life is found in one place—grace alone by faith alone.

This is liberating news, especially when faced with an opportunity to bear with someone's weaknesses when we least feel like doing so. The power of the gospel assures us that, regardless of how we feel in that moment, we can rise to the occasion with confidence. The moment we hit the ceiling of our own capacity, we find the sky opens up to His supply. His grace is limitless, and it is Him in us who works “to will and to do according to His pleasure” (Philippians 2:13.)

The evidence of a mature faith and a life lived abiding in God’s presence is simply this: that we love one another.

The ability to truly, freely, and abundantly love others can only come from this supernatural supply of grace. God doesn’t merely desire us to “act” loving. He desires to conform us entirely into His very image—the image of love.

Our life on earth, for now, means a life surrounded by weakness. As we share life with others, we will continually come face to face with it in one way or another. Whatever form it takes and however frequently we encounter it, may we see the hidden invitation available to us: to lean upon our Beloved to supply all that’s required to get over ourselves and build up another person.

To do so is not only to deeply fellowship with Jesus but also to minister to Him and bring His Father glory. As we shoulder each other’s weaknesses, we are not only becoming more like Jesus but also testifying to the goodness of His nature and revealing the beauty of His character to the world around us.

“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
Romans 15:5-7