August 15, 2010

Romans 15:1-13
It is inevitable that, as we live together in the body of Christ on this side of heaven, that someone, who is one of our brothers or sisters in the body, will reproach us unjustly and they will believe that it is just. What do we do? We seek His glory. It is the glory of Christ that He bore the reproaches of those who reproached His Father. In the midst of that situation, as we seek His glory, He gives to us the patience and comfort through the Scriptures to enable us to bear those reproaches just as He did, so that we can with one mind glorify Christ, even with those who reproach us. Does this mean we do not speak what we believe to be the truth? No! But rather, we speak it in love, always looking for the Glory of Christ. Therefore when we are reproached, we have the ability to receive one another. Paul did it all the time in the Gentile/Jew issue.
He recognizes how important hope, joy and peace are in being able to unjustly bear the reproach of our brothers and sisters. It only comes through the power of the Holy Spirit. Consequently, Paul prays for us that we might be filled with them. Are you filled with them? If not, or if you need more, why not ask? It is the Glory of Christ to give those to us, so that, we might reflect His glory to others. Indeed we serve a glorious King! Speak His glory to someone today!
--Pastor John