Reading through Romans-Filled with care and concern for others

Romans 15:1-2, "We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification."

We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves: If you consider yourself strong in comparison to your brother, use your strength to serve your brothers in Christ - instead of using your "strength" just to please yourself.

Bear with: The idea isn't really bearing with, but bearing up the weaker brother - supporting him with your superior strength.

This goes against the whole tenor of our times, which counsels people to "look out for number 1" and despises those who live lives of real sacrifice for the sake of others. Yet, undeniably Paul points the way to true happiness and fulfillment in life - get your eyes off of yourself, start building up others and you will find yourself built up.

Let each of us please his neighbor: It is a simple, yet challenging call to simply put our neighbor first. Paul later wrote much the same thing in Philippians 2:3-4: Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

This does not mean that the church is ruled by the whims of the weak. "A genuine concern for the weak will mean an attempt to make them strong by leading them out of their irrational scruples so that they, too, can be strong." (Morris)

Let each of us please his neighbor for his good: This shows that Paul does not mean being a "man-pleaser." Such a person may want to please his neighbor, but not for his good.

Leading to edification: All too often, Christians find it easier to tear each other down instead of building each other up; this is a classic strategy of Satan against the church that must be resisted.

Dear God, I pray that you will guide me to love others for their good and not for my pleasure!