Lessons on Selflessness from Romans 15: Christ's Example of Building Up Others

Christ Did Not Please Himself: Lessons on Selflessness from Romans 15

As humans, we tend to easily spot the failures of others and overlook our own shortcomings. We have been conditioned to develop this skill and it's common to identify specks from a distance while struggling to see our own planks. Life on earth is surrounded by failures, but the Christian gospel is not too grand or lofty for these regular disappointments. In fact, Paul's grand epistle to the Romans, one of the greatest letters ever written, points us to the specks, uncovering such relational challenges as proof of the power of Christ's person and work.

The Power of Christ's Person and Work

Paul addresses emerging fault lines between Christians over adiaphora in Romans 14 and 15. Adiaphora are issues that are not essential to the essence of our faith but are various non-moral choices, such as food and drink, holy days, and observing the Sabbath. Paul acknowledges that these issues can cause disagreements among believers, but he reminds us that the power of Christ's person and work is sufficient to unite us despite our differences.

Christians are called to follow Christ's example of selflessness, and Paul highlights this in Romans 15:1-3, where he writes, "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.'"

Paul is reminding us that Christ did not come to earth to please himself but to fulfill the will of the Father and serve humanity. Jesus' entire life on earth was an act of selflessness, from his birth in a manger to his death on the cross. He did not come to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45) and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).

Jesus' selflessness was not only demonstrated on the cross but throughout his life. He spent time with sinners, healed the sick, fed the hungry, and showed compassion to the marginalized. He did not discriminate or condemn those who were different from him, but he welcomed them with open arms.

As followers of Christ, we must imitate his selflessness in our relationships with others. This means bearing with the failings of the weak and not pleasing ourselves. We are called to please our neighbor for their good, to build them up, and reflect the love of Christ.

Building Up Others

Paul continues in Romans 15:4-6, "For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 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."

Paul reminds us that the Old Testament Scriptures were written for our instruction and encouragement. We can find hope in the stories of the patriarchs and the prophets, who endured through trials and tribulations, and were sustained by their faith in God.

As we endure through our own trials and tribulations, we can find encouragement in the Scriptures and trust that God is with us. Through our endurance and encouragement, we can live in harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, and glorify God with one voice.

Paul goes on to say in Romans 15:7, "Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God."

We are called to welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us. Christ welcomed us with open arms, despite our sinfulness and unworthiness. He loved us unconditionally and sacrificed himself for our salvation. We are called to reflect this same love and welcome to others, regardless of their differences.

When we welcome others, we are building them up and reflecting the love of Christ. We are also glorifying God and fulfilling our purpose as believers.

Conclusion

As we navigate the challenges of life on earth, we can find hope and encouragement in the Scriptures. We can learn from the examples of the patriarchs and the prophets, who endured through trials and tribulations, and were sustained by their faith in God.

We are called to imitate the selflessness of Christ and bear with the failings of the weak. We are called to please our neighbor for their good and to build them up, reflecting the love of Christ. When we welcome one another, we are glorifying God and fulfilling our purpose as believers.

Let us strive to imitate Christ's selflessness in our relationships with others and welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us, for the glory of God.