Romans 15

1 We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. 2 We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. 3 For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” 4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. 5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. 8 Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. 9 He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercies to them. That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote: “For this, I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing praises to your name.” 10 And in another place it is written, “Rejoice with his people, you Gentiles.” 11 And yet again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles. Praise him, all you people of the earth.” 12 And in another place Isaiah said, “The heir to David’s throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him.” 13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

it is easy to forget that it is not about me... it is easy to take my focus off of what I am to do for others and instead onto what I feel others are doing to me.. like taking advantage of me or using me or hurting me... it is hard to be like Christ and continuously give of ourselves to people who do not give back.. yet this is the call... it was first said by Christ and now by Paul... we often want to hear that do unto others only counts when they do unto us also.. but that is not bible.. our lives are a living sacrifice... lifted up to God daily... daily we die giving our own desires for the comfort of others... that is the true christian calling... to be an encourager daily... to be a servant daily... to be someone who is pleasant to be around... someone who is giving and trustworthy... that is the daily call of the christian...