The Grands Letter (Rom/GLJ)

Dear Grands,

Romans 15:1-7, “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.

2 Each of us is to 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 YOU FELL ON ME.’

4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

5 Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus,

6 so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.”

Immediately prior to penning these seven verses, Paul set forth some directives requiring his readers to adhere to the spiritual, civil, and moral aspects of their lives. All sermons (whether delivered orally, as from a pulpit, or written, as in a letter) should not include only the richness of the passage but ought equally to stress the practical application in the lives of the hearers.

Paul emphasizes the responsibility we Christians have in “bearing the weaknesses” of those who lack the strength to fully obey the admonitions of Scripture. We are to help and encourage others to follow the teachings of Scripture just as we were encouraged to do when we were young in the faith.

As with all who pursue the study of language, mathematics, or science, they need help and encouragement; so also do those who are young in spiritual things. We must be patient, so as not to discourage or stifle the mental and/or spiritual progress of others. We would do well to remember how others encouraged us.

Above all, we must remember to pray for the LORD’s guidance in all our lives.

Heartily in Christ,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need

Until He becomes all that we have.”

–Corrie ten Boom