Romans 15

Romans 15: Strength in Service, Not Status

As we dive into Romans 15, the apostle Paul calls us to a radical shift in perspective on what strength in faith means. In verse 1, Paul challenges those of us who are spiritually strong to take on the responsibility of helping the weak, not for our own gain but for the good of others. It's a call to bear with the failings of others, to step in with humility and grace, and to serve rather than seek status. This is an invitation to use our strength to build others up, not to elevate ourselves.

Paul doesn't just say we should bear with others' weaknesses in general. The context here is particularly relevant for the Roman church, which was divided by differing convictions about food laws and what was acceptable in the Christian faith. In Romans 14, Paul talks about those who are struggling with these issues—whether to eat certain foods, whether to follow Jewish customs—and the responsibility of the stronger believers to not use their liberty to harm others’ consciences. For us today, the principle is the same: just because something is not a big deal to us doesn’t mean it isn’t a stumbling block for someone else.

How Do We Help?

One question that arises from this is: how do we come alongside those who are struggling? We each have a part to play in helping others in their faith journey, but we need to do so with sensitivity. It’s not about fixing someone’s problems for them but about walking alongside them in love and grace. For instance, when someone wrestles with the question of whether they can lose their faith, it's crucial not to dismiss their concerns as trivial. Instead, we come alongside them and encourage them that their worry actually shows their love for God, that their faith is alive and real. Even if the issue seems small or simple to us, for them, it’s a real struggle, and we must be careful not to brush it off.

The principle applies beyond just theological concerns. Consider the challenge of legalism, where people might feel burdened by a need to perform religious rituals to earn God’s favor. Whether it's a focus on church attendance, Bible reading, or prayer, it's easy for us to fall into thinking that we must do certain things to please God. However, as we help others understand, God already sees us as pleasing in Christ, and our actions are a response to His grace, not a way to earn it.

Strength for Service, Not Status

Paul reminds us in Romans 15 that true strength is not about gaining status or recognition. It is about using our strength to serve others. When we see someone else struggling, it's not enough to just be aware of their weakness; we are called to take action, to bear their burdens, and to encourage them in their faith. This idea mirrors the example of Christ, who did not seek His own pleasure or status but came to serve. He bore the insults and reproaches of others so that we might be redeemed. Similarly, we are to please others for their good and to build them up (Romans 15:2).

But here’s the tension: while we are called to please others and build them up, we must never compromise the truth of the gospel to do so. Jesus didn't change His message to make people more comfortable, and we shouldn't either. There's always a temptation to modify the gospel to avoid awkward or uncomfortable situations, but true love for others means sharing the truth of Christ with grace and kindness, even when it's difficult.

Coming Alongside One Another

As we reflect on this passage, it's important to think about those around us who might be struggling with issues of faith, doubt, or conviction. Who can we come alongside this week to encourage and build up? Who in our lives needs help carrying their burdens, whether that’s through theological questions or personal struggles? Just as Paul urges us to bear with the failings of the weak, let’s seek out opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus, showing His love and grace to those around us.

This is not a one-time thing; it’s an ongoing responsibility. As we walk alongside others, let’s remember that we are all in this together. We are called to bear one another's burdens, not because we have it all figured out, but because we recognize our shared need for God’s grace. Let's step into the lives of others with compassion and humility, remembering that strength is for service, not status.