Romans 15:1-13

Romans 15:1-13 NIV
 ¹ 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.

Our entire culture is saturated with the "me" mentality.  If it feels good do it is the moto.  Our advertising is full of "Because you're worth it.", "You deserve a break today", "Have it your way.".  Frank Sanatra sang "I did it my way."  Yet the Christian culture should be lived to build up others and not to please ourselves.  We're to build others up even at the expense of our rights.

 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.

This does not come natural.  It is a gift from God.  If we do not have this attitude we should be praying and living toward that end.

 ⁷ Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

This is why we are here.  To bring praise to God.  Not to have the largest house or the best job or the most successful business or highest paid job.

 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.”

Jesus lived His life with purpose.  He actively pursued the glory of His Father.

 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.

Only when I truly trust God do I overflow with hope.  As the world economy collapses around us and wars rage all over the globe we can have joy and peace and it only comes from Him.

God Bless.