Bible Reading: Psalm 91,92,93; Romans 15:1-16
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” Romans 15:4 (KJV)
The bible was given to us by God as the manual of life. God gave us the scriptures with the help of the Holy Spirit inspiring holy men to pen down the words that have been a blessing to mankind. 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV) say, “All scriptures is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Some of the instructions can be found in Romans 15.
Romans 15:1-2 says, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.” Jesus is our greatest example in this aspect of self-denial; He lived sacrificially to help others and strengthen the kingdom of God. He would not condemn the woman caught in adultery, neither did He criticize the woman at the well who had married many husbands in the past. Rather, His encounter with them brought them closer to God.
The scripture is full of men and women who denied themselves of the pleasures of this world to serve God and be a blessing to those coming after them. Paul the apostle, sacrificially gave up all he had for the sake of the gospel. He gave up his profession and position in the society for the high calling of being a bearer of the good news of God’s kingdom. And this he did wonderfully well. No wonder he wrote, by the mighty help of the Holy Spirit a greater portion of the new testament.
Like Christ, we are to patiently practice this principle of self-denial if we are to be strong for the weak around us. Hebrews 12:2 (KJV), “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” He patiently fulfilled all that He was sent to do. The shame notwithstanding, He completed His course on earth by patiently keeping His eyes on the prize.
This is a great lesson to any who want to fulfil his plan here on earth. You must wait on God while putting on a good attitude like Jesus, who never complained all through the ordeal on the cross in a bid to save humanity.