Your Strength is Measured by How Much You Build Others Up --- Romans 15:1-3

• 15 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.
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• 15 We who are strong ought to

  • bear with the failings of the weak
  • and not to please ourselves.
  • Our strength is not measured by how much we could bully others for our benefits but by how much we can help the weak to become strong.
• 2 Each of us should
  • please our neighbors
    • for their good,
    • to build them up.
  • We are to be judged by how we treat others - the goodness we bring to them, the efforts we spend in helping them to be victorious.
• 3 For even Christ did not please himself but,

  Christ set the example for us to follow.

  • as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”

    He bear their sufferings that they may be well.

• The Analects (Yong Ye) 《论语・雍也》
  • 1.“己欲立而立人，己欲达而达人” ---《论语・雍也》

    "If you wish to establish yourself, help others establish themselves.

    If you wish to achieve success, help others achieve success."

  • Implications:
    • 2. 自己能站立时也要帮别人站立；自己成功时也要帮助别人成功

      "When you can stand firm, help others stand firm as well; when you achieve success, help others achieve success too."

    • 3. 自己的成功是在帮助他人成功而得的

      "One's own success is achieved through helping others succeed."

• Summary
  • Romans 15:1-3 teaches that the hallmark of Christian strength is found in building others up, reflecting the sacrificial nature of Christ’s love. This concept parallels the wisdom in The Analects, suggesting that true leadership and fulfillment lie in helping others stand and succeed. Believers are encouraged to measure their strength not by personal gains but by their impact on the lives of those around them.
• Related:
  • https://christianity-rediscovered.blogspot.com/2024/11/how-should-christians-behave-in-church.html 
• Prayer:
• Heavenly Father,
• Thank You for the strength and blessings You have given me. Help me to use them not for my own gain, but to lift others up and bring goodness into their lives. Guide me to follow the example of Christ, serving selflessly and loving fully. May my actions reflect Your love and bring honor to Your name.
• In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.