“Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, ‘The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.’” – Romans 15:2-3
One of the more radical marks of Christian community should be that we’re more focused on pleasing other Christians than we are on pleasing ourselves. What a difference it would make in our churches, communities, and nation if every Christian took this command (it ISN’T a suggestion) seriously every moment of every day!
Conflict would fall away in churches because everyone would be focused on what’s truly good for everyone else rather than their own interests and preferences. Divided and hurting communities would be healed by the work of blessing performed by followers of Jesus. The world would see how radically different Christians were from every other religious, political, or ethical system and would take notice. Jesus said that the way we treat one another is the proof that our faith is real and that means pleasing and building up our neighbors.
Live to build other believers up. LIVE to build OTHERS up rather than yourself. Don’t tear people down. Work for your neighbors’ good, trusting that God is looking out for yours. Follow the example of your Lord and live to please others, always. If Christ can put others first, then we who have Christ’s Spirit living within us must also put others first.