“I don’t deserve this!” “I shouldn’t have to put up with the brunt of their attitude!” “Why don’t they just grow up!”
Do any of those statements sound like the way we have felt at times in our interaction with others? We may sometimes wonder about what we end up having to put up with or tolerate in this life. However, what did Christ put up with on our behalf? Did He deserve the mockery, insults, and the harsh treatment He endured leading up to the cross, and then the cross itself? Our Lord went through it all with our greatest need in mind; the salvation of our souls.
In Paul’s letter to the church at Rome we read. . .
“(1) We who are strong have an obligation to bear with 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.”” (Romans 15:1-3 ESV)
Because we are imperfect there are times others have to bear with us. We need to also be willing to bear with others. Paul presented Jesus as the example of persevering in giving selflessly with the good of others in mind. Following in His steps, we are to see our calling as that of strengthening others rather than merely seeking to get our own way. Because of the bad Jesus endured for our good, may we be willing to also endure for the good of others. As we continue to grow spiritual strong, it is the obligation laid upon us for other’s benefit.
Have a great day LIVING LIKE CHRIST TO BLESS OTHERS!
Carl
