Romans 15

Bible Passage:  Romans 15

Paul continues to bring forth the key theme of righteousness in this chapter – i.e. how the righteousness of Christ ought to be aptly reflected in our lives as Christian believers. We see a similar theme in the preceding chapters (12-14), and the following important teachings were shared in the blog:

• Chapter 12 – to be selfless and love others sincerely (e.g. honour others above yourself, be openhanded and hospitable, to live in peace with others etc.)
• Chapter 14 – Be of “ONE” in Christ (e.g. exercise tolerance, not to pass judgments and not to despise our brethren whom we may have deemed as being weak etc.)

These teachings are repeated in this chapter, albeit in different application.

He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother!

Our responsibility toward the weaker brethren (a continuing message from chapter 14) – the strong ones ought to bear the weaknesses of those who are with little or no strength at all, and with the purpose not for self-gratification but edification for all.

This teaching seems to be at odds with the general mindset of the world – where the vulnerable and weaker ones will be devoured and singled-out mercilessly by the situation itself, and the stronger ones will lord it over the weak ones.

Each of us have our fair shares of burdens and worries and naturally, these will be your focus in life. Our service and prayers naturally surround our own affairs.

We will just need to shift our focus a little towards the brethren around you. You may not need to look too far or hard to realise there is always this someone who may need a little care and concern. When we have the heart to reach out to these brethren and friends, we gradually find that it doesn’t take a lot of you to share that love from God. The more you give, the greater you’ll receive.

God’s Word is the source of comfort and patience

In verses 4-5, it says ‘God’s Word’ and ‘God Himself’ is the source of patience and comfort. When do we need comfort? At times of sorrow.

We draw comfort from the promises in the Scriptures. We draw strength from the cloud of witnesses who have walked before us. God, through the Word, provides us with the perseverance to prevail at times of trouble and trials. The comfort and perseverance that we gain leads us to the hope. The hope gives us further strength to run the race set before us.

I heard countless testimony how someone was comforted and enlightened by the Word at their times of sorrow. I, for one, can testify for this.

While we all have different ways of remembering and recalling the Word, more often than not we were reminded through prayer or fellowship / sharing. For myself, the Word dances into my head when it goes with music. It may be through singing and playing the hymn and making the music. Very often, I recalled the simple teaching in the Bible through the children hymns that I learnt more than 25 years ago!

At times when I was lonely, I thought of the hymn ‘Jesus Loves Me This I Know’. When I have doubt, I thought of ‘Isn’t He Wonderful’. I’m sure you have your ‘little song’ too.

There are too much the teachings in every chapter to be contained in our daily blog. But I hope our sharing continues to bring edification for all.

May you have a blessed week ahead.