An Obligation Realized

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 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." 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. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:1-7

As I considered further contemplation of this passage after reading it together with my beloved Dianna, and upon reflecting upon the probability of having, through my own lack of understanding, been a source of discouragement to a professing believer by a critical spirit, rather than being a vessel of mercy for the glory of Christ, these words came to mind, of which the later part was influenced by one of the best messages I have ever had the privilege to hear, preached on Romans 8:28, entitled "All Things Work Together for Good" by Gregory N. Barkman of which you can find by clicking this link.....

Have you escaped now all of your pinions*
Formed by those who have strong opinions.
Let God be true, now, Him overall
Unto those He redeemed from the fall.

Oh, look to Christ, Who was the true victim
Reproach He suffered for the law's dictum*
The Word of God, in flesh He then stood
And murdered like the most common hood.

For though we live in true penitence
We owe all to grace, the pure innocence
Of the Lamb Who spoke not a word
As judgment from God was borne undeserved.

It was for our sins, He came and to die
As we with them, then yelled crucify.
Oh, for grace to point not the finger
For the sins that in us still linger.

Oh, help Your people trust not experience
Of others, when Your Word gives the true sense
Of Who You Are, and what You have done
By giving up Your Just, Holy Son.

And give to them a heart of repentance
That they may know that You paid the sentence
Which was their due, but grace You bestow
Unto Your chosen, who live here below.

Oh, help us see more our insurrection
And know the power of Your resurrection.
Rejoice our hearts to see on the throne
The One who prepares a place of our own.

Deliver us from an elitist mentality
As only grace shows the true reality
Of who we are, and what we deserve
Had You in love not chosen to preserve,

A remnant for Your Name's sake alone.
A people You call, to be all Your own.
Of every nation, tongue, and yeah, tribe
With thankful hearts Your glory ascribe,

For all You have brought and all that You bring
Into our lives and cause us to sing,
As more like the image of Christ, Your dear Son
We're made, til with You in glory we're one.

And by Your mercy, Oh, help us to live
And point to the cross by which You did give
All we have need of til with You in glory
We sing a new song of redemption's story.

Michael E. Wood
March 22, 2010

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:28-30

*pinions: restraining bonds or shackles, used to bind a
persons arms or to prevent a bird from flight by binding
it's wings
*dictum: an authoritative statement or declaration