Denying My Rights

[tony.h...@fbcrpb.com]

SOAP

10/7/08

S: Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without
strength and not just please ourselves. 2 Each of us is to please his
neighbor for his good, to his edification. Romans 15:1-2 (NASB95)

O: This passage in specifically in reference to things that may make a
Christian brother or sister stumble. Those who have a strong
conscience concerning a particular freedom to eat, drink, or behave in
a certain manner that is controversial within the church, should be
very careful how that behavior is exercised. There may be some within
the church who do not have a strong conscience in that area and who
become confused and conflicted when they see other Christians who
freely and openly engage in certain behaviors.

The core principle here is not whether or not I have certain freedoms
in Christ, but in how or if I are willing to give up those freedoms
for the sake of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Am I, for the sake of my brother's edification, willing to give up my
"rights." Am I willing to sacrifice certain desires so that others may
be encouraged? Christian unity demands that I be willing to think
first of the needs and good of others before my own rights.

A: What rights do I have in Christ? What am I willing to give up?

P: Lord, help me to be willing to give up my rights for the sake of
your church and for the edification or my brothers and sisters in
Christ. Give me the grace and wisdom to see where I can be a blessing
to others my denying myself.