April 27

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. ³ For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”  ⁴ For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.  ⁵ May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, ⁶ so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (Romans 15:1-6 NIV)

Verse 2 in the King James version says, "Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification."  The word edification translated is a Greek word oikodomē (oi-ko-do-mā') and it means, "the act of one who promotes another's growth in Christian wisdom, piety (reverence for God), holiness, happiness".   Wouldn't it be something if we lived out these six verses of scripture?!?  If when we knew that our brother or sister was going through a tough time, we actually climbed in the trenches with them, prayed for and with them and built them up.  And what a wonderful thing it would be if we'd do this, not to puff ourselves up, for the sincere growth of our brother or sister!  Since we're striving and pressing everyday to be more like Jesus, at some point we ought to be able to bless someone else just because we have the capacity to do so. 

Lord, we not only want to promote our neighbor's growth in Christian wisdom, piety, holiness and happiness, but we also want to promote the same for our children.  When their times of weakness come; help us to bear the infirmities and not to beat them up with their weakness.  The bible says that Your strength is made perfect in our weakness, so if we (they) endure the time of weakness; we'll be strengthened in You through Christ Jesus.  As You give endurance and encouragement, we will receive the same attitude of mind toward one another that Christ Jesus had toward us.  We will think on things that are just, pure, lovely and of good report.  The glory is not for us but it's all for You.  In Jesus name, Amen!