ROMANS 15
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 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. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
– Romans 15:1-7
ROMANS 15 THE STRONG IS TO HELP THE WEAK
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
As you serve the Lord Jesus Christ, you cannot live for yourself
He chose you so that you will be humble and selfless
The strength he gave you is not for your own self-indulgence
It is to help the weak in their weaknesses and bring them confidence
The strong has an obligation to help the weak in their helplessness
Their strength is not for showing off their power and abilities
Strength is present when we are weak because God is in us
Weakness makes us depend on God in the midst of adversities.
In our world today, the strong are considered powerful and the weak are identified as powerless. Because the system of the world caters to self indulgence, it is easy to marginalize those who are weak and put the strong on pedestals. It is very different in God’s economy because the strong have bigger responsibilities other than gloating on their strength. God requires the strong to aid those who are vulnerable and weak.
Paul explains explicitly why God requires the strong to help the weak. It is to balance and equalize the conditions that people are in. God is a God of equality. In God’s kingdom, there are no power struggles, only unconditional love. Each one is required to love one another as God loved us all. This brings God the glory he requires from all of his creation.
REFLECTION
- How is the concept of “strength” twisted in the world system?
