Paul knew the customs concerning food and drink, which had long taken root. He faced those who were strong and liberated from the law, and considered himself as one of them. But he soon limited his own freedom, saying that those who are strong and mature ought to bear the weaknesses of the new converts, as long as they believe in Christ. We must not live as we please, but live to please the converts, who are not certain of all things. To do so is for their good and to their edification, for the edification of others is more important than carrying out our own pleasures and wishes.
This principle breaks up the narrow spirit of selfishness in the church on all sides. We do not plan our life, our works, and our opportunities according to our dreams, but serve Jesus and those who are weak in faith, for the focus of our thinking is not “I” (ego), but Jesus and his church. Jesus did not live for himself, but he emptied his glory, and became a man. He bore the charges, insults, and sufferings to save the world, and finally died for all, despised as if he were a criminal, to save even the criminals and edify them.
Jesus lived according to the Holy Bible; a life of humility, meekness, and extraordinary patience. He took from the books of the Old Testament guidance and power in his ministries. He who wishes to serve in a church or among those who reject Christ must be deep- rooted in the word of God, as he will otherwise lose the power and joy of his service.
Paul summed up his long research on these subjects in the indication that God is the God of patience and comfort (Rom 15:5). The Creator himself needs long patience to bear with the selfish, stubborn humans. He only finds comfort in his son, Jesus, in whom his pleasure abides. By this indication, Paul guided the prayers in Rome to the spirit of patience and comfort that he might give the church the unity which comes not from the believers, but from Christ alone, for only in him the thoughts of the church are united. There is no success or union in church except that which comes directly from Christ. Then all participate together in praise, and learn with certainty that the Almighty, Judge, and Creator of the universe is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It was Jesus alone who reconciled us with the Holy One by his sufferings and death. He bought for us, by his resurrection from the dead and his ascension into heaven, adoption and a second spiritual birth that we might be entitled to rejoice, and praise the Father of Jesus Christ as our merciful Father. As He and his Son are a perfect, spiritual unity, so the church members ought to bind themselves to Jesus in an inseparable union.