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Day

34

The Holy Descent

Lent 2023

Read Romans 15:1–13

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.” 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 the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

"Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
and sing to your name."

10 And again it is said,

"Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people."

11 And again,

"Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him."

12 And again Isaiah says,

"The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope."

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. Romans 15:1-2

The self-improvement section in your local bookstore is packed with books, all promising that you can make yourself better. Taking such advice can be a good thing, but a danger comes if we only focus on ourselves and not on our neighbor. Paul says, “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” Christ is our example. He did not come to please himself. His eyes were always looking to help the weak, the blind, the guilty and the outcast. He even served by giving his life as a ransom for the world. He said, “The greatest among you will be your servant.” It might sound backwards, but Christian growth isn’t a climb upward. It is a descent to serve the weak and build each other up.

Prayer

Lord, you helped me when I needed it most. Use me to help others so that you may be glorified. Amen.

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