We're all in this together (Romans 15:1-13)

Under the umbrella of 'living sacrifices', Paul gives God's people another command of what life should look like within the Body. Unity is key - especially in light of disputable matters. Our freedom in Christ should never come at the price of division and disunity among the Church.

15 Now we who are strong have an obligation to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not to please ourselves. 2 Each one of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself. On the contrary, as it is written, The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. 4 For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures. 5 Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one mind and one voice.

7 Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God. 8 For I say that Christ became a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises to the fathers, 9 and so that Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
and I will sing praise to your name.

10 Again it says, Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people! 11 And again,

Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples praise him!

12 And again, Isaiah says,

The root of Jesse will appear,
the one who rises to rule the Gentiles;
the Gentiles will hope in him.

13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.