March 7, 2011
Romans 15:5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus
I found this verse surprising in light of my former verses on endurance. At first glance one would think this isn’t a good example of enduring, yet, if you think about your relationships with others it really is. When more than one person gets together for anything there can be friction; even if all of those persons are professing believers. Yet, in Romans 15:6 scripture says “That you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” this is why we endeavor to get along with those who annoy us, and perhaps why they endeavor to get along with us! To quote MacArthur “Paul urges the strong and weak despite their differing views on these non-essential issues, to pursue loving, spiritual harmony in regard to matters on which the Bible is silent.” And how difficult this is for us to do sometimes! It’s easy for us to want to apply what the Holy Spirit has taught us in certain areas to everyone. We just can’t do that. God calls us all too different paths; what He denies one person He will give to another. These are not under our control or influence. Whether or not we agree, unless it is clear scripture is being disobeyed, and we can prove it; we have to stay out of things that are not our business. That’s how we live peaceably with others. Is this easy? NO, NO, NO! Perhaps this is why endurance is necessary.
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