Romans 15:3 states that Christ did not please himself. This defies worldly wisdom; Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords didn’t even please Himself. Paul makes this observation while exhorting Christians; we who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves (Rom 15:1). An authentic relationship with Jesus Christ directly impacts our relationships with one another. Obviously, it was Paul’s intension that believers should mirror the character of Jesus in the matter of relationships.
Jesus’ ultimate expression of selflessness is seen in Romans 15:3, the insults of those who insult you (God) have fallen on me (Jesus). The world’s entire sin against God, with all their disbelief and animosity against Him was vented upon Jesus by the world at the cross. But God also lay on Jesus the full judgment for the world’s sin, disbelief, and animosity. Jesus took the wrath from both God and humanity.
This spectacular truth of Jesus is presented by Paul in the middle of his exhortation for Christians to treat each other as Christ treats us. Bear with the failings of the weak (15:1), and let each of us please his neighbour for his good, to build him up (15:2). This is the most foundational principle we Christians must put into practice if we have any hope of serving others as Jesus serves us.
Paul then shares a prayer, seeking God’s blessing on those who live sacrificially on behalf of Christ in the lives of others. Recognising God as the source of spiritual endurance and encouragement he asks God to grant that his readers would live in harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus (Rom 15:5). Paul is not hoping believers will get along, learning to tolerate each other. No, he envisions harmony which aligns with the harmony that exists between God the Father and Son, would also be experience in the church.
Now, the result of such Christlike character, sacrificially building up others and doing good is worship. It’s remarkable how the Holy Spirit produces His fruit in believers’ lives when Christ is genuinely lived through us. Verse 6 speaks of it, together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In its simplest form, unity through the combined words of the church will be heard glorifying God. This speaks of reborn lives who do not speak for the sake of being heard, but speak as expression of the life transforming power of the Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Galatians 2:20). The blessing of this is unmistakable when practiced.
Paul closes out of this short prayer with an instruction pulling all his previous words together. Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you (Rom 15:7). When individuals exhibit Christlike character, engage in unified worship, and maintain genuine harmony, they extend a warm welcome to each other and visitors, reflecting Christ’s gracious acceptance of us. For Christ to be experienced in this manner, there can be no pretense, no fake smiles, no bias, no preferential treatment, no demands, no gossip, no division, no segregation, and no exceptions.
Why is all the above so important to the apostle Paul? Because, as verse 7 concludes, this is for the glory of God. The overarching purpose for God’s people, no matter who or where they are, is to glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 15:6). May Christ be Lord of our characters, and our church relationships, for God’s glory!
