The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Romans 15:1-4, “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and

not just please ourselves.

2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.

3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached

Thee fell upon Me.”

4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance

and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

“How does that benefit me?” Whether those are the precise words or not, we’ve all said them in our hearts. There was a decision to be made, and our only concern was how it would affect us. We give no consideration to the others who are involved.

Yet, such situations concern everyone involved. We who are stronger should work to help those who have less or no strength. We are to do what is good for the one who is weak. He is our neighbor, and it is for his benefit that we are think of him first.

Paul instructs us with the example of Jesus Christ when he says that “Christ did not even please Himself.” How is that? Remember that in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Father, if it be Thy will, let this cup (experience of death) pass from me. Nevertheless, not My will, but Thine be done.” He was facing death for our sins –sins that were directly against the Father. That’s what Jesus meant when He said, The sins of mankind were against You, Father; but it has become My lot to pay for them in My death.

Paul then concludes by saying that the things written in Scripture in earlier times were for our instruction; and that through the steadfast truth of the Scriptures, we might be encouraged and have hope! Oh, how vital the Word of God is to us! Whether we are discouraged because of sin, or because of the circumstances of life that encircle us, there is no comfort like the Word of God! Through His Word we come to know Him and learn the comfort of His Holy Spirit. The richness of our days come from an immersion in His Holy Word! Nothing brings greater comfort and encouragement to the human soul. Have you not discovered that?

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

P. S. We Americans rejoice that we live in a Christian nation; yet it is the responsibility of all believers everywhere to share

Christ with those who do not know Him. No nation is stronger than its Christian Faith!

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”