In The Word
Read: Romans 15:1-13
15 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.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
A life of unselfishness is what we are called to live. Jesus, being our greatest example, came to this earth and laid down His life. He laid it down to give life to everyone upon this earth. Now that He has given His life for us, He has bought us with His blood and redeemed us from the ransom of satan and his demonic forces. So we are to live our lives not for ourselves, but for the Lord Jesus Christ.
As we strengthen our lives in Jesus Christ, we should help those who are lost, weak in their faith, and struggling in life. They, just like us, need encouragement and guidance through God’s Word. Paul writes that the Scriptures were written for our encouragement, instruction, and inspiration.
Today, take time to meditate and make a list in your prayer journal of those people God has placed in your life around you. This list should compile of your family, friends, co-workers, etc. Now each day take time to pray for each of these people by name. God will then begin to put encouraging words on your heart for them and creative ways to help build and edify them. This is a very practical way to live unselfishly and consider others greater than yourself. Read Philippians 2:3-7 and see how the attitude of Jesus Christ was upon this earth. Now pray and ask the Lord to help you have this kind of heart so that He may use you to help reach out and disciple this earth.