Romans 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 his neighbor for his good, to build him 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 endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6. so that with one heart and mouth 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, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs 9. so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to your name.” 10. Again, it says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” 11. And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to him, all you peoples.” 12. And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him.”
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.
God’s plan is to treat others as God has treated us. God in his infinite power, does not bully us into doing his bidding, but instead acts more like a gentle coach speaking to our hearts each day as we go about our business. It becomes our choice to either listen or not.
God accepts us in our weakness just as we are. There is nothing we can do to make ourselves “good enough” for his acceptance. This is how we should accept others.
God loves us even when we hurt him. His gift of grace through Christ is never taken away from us. It is always there, and free just for the taking.
The best praise we can give to God is to treat others just as we wish God to treat us. In this, we bring honor to His name.
How have you treated another person this week in a way that reflected God’s grace?
Do you feel fully accepted by God?
Is there another person that makes you feel accepted always?
What can you do this week to show acceptance to another person?