The Daily Word: Thursday, August 1st, 2019
2 Chronicles 30:1-31:21
Romans 15:1-22
Psalm 25:1-15
Proverbs 20:13-15
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. – Romans 15:1
If you asked your best friend, “What is the meaning of life?” what would (s)he say? The Declaration of Independence would suggest the meaning of life is “the pursuit of Happiness.”[1] Life in the United States might imply that the meaning of life is the American Dream: the perfect family, a new car, and a big house with a white picket fence!
But Scripture has a different suggestion. Romans 15:1 says the purpose of life is not to find happiness (i.e. “please yourself”); it is to help those who are weak! Jesus could have “pleased Himself” and stayed in Heaven! He didn’t need to rescue us on the Cross. But instead, He chose to come down and rescue us from our sin.
God has put “weak” people in your life. They have “scruples:” real problems they face every day! Can you lay down your desire to “please yourself” and instead take up God’s calling to “please your neighbor?” As you do – then and only then! – you will find the happiness you seek.
Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. – Romans 15:2
Prayer:
Father, thank You for putting people who need help into my life. Give me exactly what they need, and help me to minister to them in their moment of need! I never want to be too busy – or too proud – to bear the scruples of the people around me, in Jesus’ name!
Archives
See commentary from this day in 2014.
See commentary from this day in 2015.
See commentary from this day in 2016.
See commentary from this day in 2017.
See commentary from this day in 2018.
© Michael D. White, 2019. All rights reserved.
[1] “The Declaration of Independence: Rough Draft”. USHistory.org.