SUNDAY LESSON, 11/13/22
I WANT TO BE PART OF THAT CHURCH FAMILY
Romans 15:1-7
I have been raised in the church all of my life. My parents were devout believers who made sure that they and my four siblings went to church every time the door was open; Sunday School, Sunday AM, Sunday PM, Wednesday PM. And, if that wasn’t enough, we attended every 2-week revival (at least three a year), every Vacation Bible School, and went to summer church camp. Furthermore, over the past four decades I have ministered at several congregations.
I can tell you a lot about church families. Some were absolutely wonderful, and I still keep in touch with many of the church families that I was privileged to work alongside over the years. However, to be honest, there are also those churches where I’ve ministered who greatly discouraged me; almost to the point where I seriously thought about leaving the ministry.
Don’t get me wrong, there are NO perfect churches. The Apostle Paul can most certainly attest to that, but he loved being part of the church and often wrote of his experience with various church families—some of which he established.
In Romans 15:1-7, Paul describes what we should be and do as the church of Jesus Christ. In fact, what he describes is the church family I want to be part of—a church family who genuinely loves one another and cares for those among them who are weak and struggling.
ROMANS 15:1-7
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.
7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
