THE PRICE OF PLEASING MY NEIGHBOUR
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Romans 15:1 |
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We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. KJV |
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. NIV |
Why?
Is self-pleasing not pleasing to self? Yes. Self is momentarily pleased with itself, when it gets its own way. But there is a vast difference between being momentarily pleased and being satisfied. Self is always selfish and is never satisfied with anything. It is the most restless of all personal characteristics, and is evil in its nature, and discontent is the outcome of it having its own way.
Self is like a vacuum that is forever drawing to itself, but never has enough. We are all born selfish, but we must realise that we are born again to learn to be unselfish. Note it is something to be learnt, because by nature we do the opposite!
THE PURPOSE OF PLEASING MY NEIGHBOUR
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Romans 15:2 |
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Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. KJV |
Each of us should please our neighbours for their good, to build them up. NIV |
Paul has been dealing with the need to subject one’s own needs to the needs of a fellow believer, which would lead to the edifying of the weaker brother or sister as the objective, bringing about enrichment and morally useful knowledge and spiritual guidance.
THE PINNACLE OF PLEASING MY NEIGHBOUR
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Romans 15:3 |
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For even Christ pleased not Himself; but, as it is written, “The reproaches of them that reproached Thee fell on Me.” KJV |
For even Christ did not please Himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.” NIV |
Christ has given us an example to follow. He lived to please His Father, not Himself, likewise we should live to please Him. We are commanded to treat weaker brothers with kindness and consideration, just as our Saviour did. To emulate Him is the pinnacle of pleasing Him and our neighbours.
Thanks for this reading.
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