Focus Scripture: Romans 15:1-7
We live a culture full of division and discord that masquerades around as two opposing social ideologies known as tolerance and nationalism. The church has been greatly impacted by believers who have allowed such worldliness to invade our hearts. If we (the church) are to walk in a biblical unity, there are few indispensable things that are helpful for us to not only practice, but also think of concerning one another.
Bear One Another’s Burdens
We should learn to bear one another’s burdens (Gal 6:2). By doing so we fulfill the command God to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mt 22:34-40, cf.Lev 19:17-18, 1 Jn 3:16-18, 4:18-21).
Build Each Other Up Towards Growth in Faith
We should look for ways to build each other up. What is in view here is that we encourage and help one another live out our faith (not doeth as thou wilt in the worldly desires) in the unique and different ways by which we are called, which draws us closer to God (Col 3:12-17, Eph 5:18-21). Remember, HE is the source of our strength.
Closing Thoughts
The key to biblical unity requires a humility fueled by faith and love. It is a harmony that abandons selfish ambition and conceit, and rather (in humility) counts others more significant than ourselves. To rightly understanding what this type of humility looks like we must examine and study the example of our Savior in the Word of God. We are encouraged by Paul to “have in mind” the humility taught and lived out by Jesus. He placed our needs (for salvation) over his own life. He left behind his glory and majesty in Heaven, to come down to us, taking on the form of a servant so that we might saved. He put obedience through humility to the Father first, because before honor comes humility (Prv 15:33).
Only by modeling his life, can we overcome the many differences that divide us in the church.
Remember, worldly values and socio-political ideals puffs us up in pride. Self-righteousness leads only to self-exaltation. Only Christ lived life brings forth the necessary humility that bonds us in unity, which leads to exaltation and glorification of the Savior.
Romans 15:1-7, “We who are strong have an obligation to bear 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 God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (7) Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Amen.
(Other suggested scripture readings for further study and reflection: Isaiah 53, Philippians 2:1-11).
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com