I’ve been pondering this passage as it relates to love and serving our children.
We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.”[a] 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
First, I notice that we’re refining our understanding of love here: love doesn’t please his neighbor indiscriminately and without reserve. There is a limit. I must be considering the short- and long-term effects of how I give, and act accordingly.
Striking the right balance between giving and not giving is a challenge. It’s not pleasant when our love causes another person to be angry. It’s also a burden to consider that pleasing my child in a certain way could be harmful. We do need wisdom, don’t we?
I notice also that we get patience and comfort from the Scriptures, from the God of patience and comfort. We need to know HOW to please our neighbor to his edification. I’m praying for the patience and comfort that comes from my Heavenly Father as I try to look ahead, consider the motivation of my child, and understand why I do what I do.
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