Verse of the Day
Friday, May 23, 2025
Romans 15:2
Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor.
Introduction
Romans 15:2 offers a compelling glimpse into Paul’s ethical instruction for Christian living within the community of believers. In this verse, Paul shifts the focus from individual liberties to communal responsibility, encouraging believers to adopt an others-centered approach that reflects the self-giving love of Christ. Rather than seeking personal gain or comfort, the Christian is called to build others up in love, fostering unity and mutual edification.
Commentary
Paul writes, "Each of us must please our neighbor..."—a phrase that might at first seem to contradict Galatians 1:10, where he warns against seeking to please others instead of God. However, here, the word “please” (Greek: areskō) implies a willingness to act in a way that promotes another's well-being rather than superficial people-pleasing. The aim is “for the good purpose of building up the neighbor”—a reference to spiritual edification and moral encouragement.
The “neighbor” is not just a friend or fellow citizen, but anyone within the community of faith (and by extension, beyond it). The verse thus advocates for a life shaped by selflessness, where personal freedoms are submitted to the higher call of love and responsibility. Paul is echoing the teaching of Jesus—especially the second great commandment to love one’s neighbor as oneself (Mark 12:31).
Understanding the Context
Romans 15 continues the theme from chapter 14, where Paul addresses the tension between "the strong" and "the weak" in the Roman church—terms used to describe those with differing views on dietary practices and holy days. The strong (those with freedom of conscience) are encouraged not to use their liberty in a way that might cause the weak (those with stricter convictions) to stumble.
Romans 15:1 exhorts the strong to bear with the failings of the weak, not to please themselves. Verse 2 follows as a natural continuation: instead of prioritizing their own preferences, believers should live in a way that benefits others spiritually and morally. Paul later points to Christ as the ultimate example (v.3), who did not please Himself but bore reproach for the sake of others.
Application for Today
In a culture that often prizes self-assertion and individual rights, Romans 15:2 invites believers to embrace a radically different ethic—one centered on service, humility, and the building up of others. Whether in church communities, families, or social interactions, we are called to consider how our actions, words, and attitudes affect those around us.
This doesn’t mean compromising truth or enabling harmful behavior, but it does mean setting aside personal convenience to uplift, support, and edify others. It’s a call to maturity—to live not just for ourselves, but for the spiritual growth of our neighbor.
Reflection
Am I more concerned with being right or being a source of encouragement?
Do I build up or break down those around me?
Romans 15:2 challenges me to examine whether my life reflects the grace and patience that Christ shows to others. If I am truly following Him, I will seek to strengthen the faith and well-being of those He has placed in my path—not for my glory, but for theirs and ultimately for His.
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Verse of the Day is a daily inspirational and encouraging Bible verse extracted from BibleGateway.com. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
No comments:
Post a Comment