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HOW HAVE WE LOVED AND HONORED SOMEONE IN THEIR DIFFERENCES?

WHAT DID GOD SAY IN HIS WORD?

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

3 For 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 former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Recall from Sunday:

We must welcome one another (Rom 15:1-2) as Christ has welcomed us (15:3-4) for the glory of God (15:5-6)

Reflect:

What are the most significant notes you took during the sermon?

What did you learn about God and his plans for us from the Bible passage?

WHAT DID GOD SAY TO ME THROUGH HIS WORD?

Paul says we have an obligation not to please ourselves, and to bear with each other’s weaknesses (15:1).  Is there someone in your life who is limiting your freedom? How well are you bearing with them patiently and lovingly?

We’re not just to bear with each other, but to seek each other’s good and build each other up (15:2). How much of your free time is spent making yourself comfortable vs. helping someone else? Is there someone God wants to help or strengthen through you?

Welcoming each other isn’t just good for its own sake, but is part of how we glorify God (15:5-7). How do your relationships/conflicts with others affect your ability to praise or worship? Do you view your conflicts in terms of whether or not you are glorifying God?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO ABOUT IT?

If God is convicting you of how much you focus on pleasing yourself, brainstorm with your group about how you can spend that time caring for someone else this week. Bonus points if you can identify a way to encourage someone you’ve been in conflict with or who views the world very differently than you.

If your group feels overwhelmed by a particularly difficult relationship or a conflict that just won’t resolve, discern together ways that you can draw from Christ’s love in Scripture to be able to endure, and be encouraged, and regain hope of reconciliation (15:4). Remember, it’s God who grants us to live in harmony (15:5); we need his help.