5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had," Romans 15:1-5
A person's scars represent lots of lessons learned. Scars (if we learn by them) strengthen us. We have strength in Jesus.
"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves." Romans 15:1
Our strength is in our hope.
"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." 1 Peter 1:13
Our hope is our strength.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." Ephesians 6:10
"Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:1-2
Have compassion. Be humble. Pray. Give a hug. We don't help for ourselves. We help so we can build others up.
"Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up." Romans 15:2
Don't help to garner praise.
"not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:" Philippians 2:4-5
That's who I came for (Jesus says). Even if it is self-induced suffering, still help. God does. He dealt with the issue first, then spoke. Through the helping they saw the love of God. Don't worry about what others think.
"For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” Romans 15:3
Jesus picked people up. He didn't do this for himself. World asks, "What's in it for me?"
"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love." John 15:10
This is the reward!
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9
Give grace always. Give a flood of grace so others can't help but get touched by that grace.
"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." Romans 15:4
Where does our strength come from?
"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36
Look at the goal. That's the encouragement.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Train and get better. Read your Bible. Spend time with Jesus. The source of our strength!!
"I lift up my eyes to the mountains--
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2
The spirit of unity:
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had," Romans 15:5
How do we live in unity? in strength in unity?
Remember where we came from:
"Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation." Romans 12:16
We need to get to someone's eye level, eye-to-eye. Get down to their level.
"To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;" 1 Peter 3:8
"And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own; but all things were common property to them." Acts 4:32
SO, WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
1. Work out spiritually! Add strength through Bible study and prayer and obedience.
2. Use your strength. Help others be strong.
3. Need Help? Follow the example of Jesus and the early church.
4. Endurance. Persevere. Hope.
(Story from recording about riderless horse)
His heart was trying but he couldn't win. What if he had had someone helping him? There are people who are trying alone -- if we recognize it we can help them. Help me Lord see the ones I can encourage to walk with you.