November 8, 2021 - Romans 15:1-7

We are blessed to have good neighbors. Each place we have lived, our neighbors have been caring and helpful as we have sought to take care of one another. It is very comforting to know that when we are away, someone is watching and caring for our home.

Writing to the Romans, Paul had taught them about the unity they had with Christ and the community of believers. Even though he had never visited Rome, Paul treated them as neighbors and family in his writings. As Paul concludes his thoughts to the Romans, he draws on a phrase, “toward one another”. He has used this phrase in his previous writings to encourage and strengthen the believers that were in a stronghold of sin and vice.

His neighborly advice was to promote and bolster the people around them so all could grow like Christ. As the church encouraged and taught one another, all could learn the pattern of living that would magnify the Lord and draw others to Him (v.7).

To be like-minded toward one another has the idea that each neighbor was committed to and had the same attitude regarding the issue they faced. This unity was accomplished as they learned the teachings of Jesus and followed that example to bring glory to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Whether it was addressing sinful lifestyles or enduring persecution, the body responded in unity with peace and comfort toward one another according to Christ Jesus.

Paul’s “one another passages” assist us in knowing how to react and address difficulties in the body of Christ when they arise. Take a moment to look at the passages where Paul uses the “one another” phrase to be more like Christ! (Romans 12:10, Romans 15:5, 7 & 14, Romans 16, Galatians 5:13, Galatians 6:2, Ephesians 4:2, Ephesians 5:21, I Thessalonians 5:11-15). What a great time to be a good neighbor today and offer encouragement, do an act of kindness, or show like-mindedness toward one another!