Surrender Self

Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.  – Romans 15:2

Condescension. The word can strike a negative emotion if someone is treating you as if you were not at their level – an underling, a servant, one unworthy of a second thought. And yet, condescension was what enveloped the whole of Jesus Christ’s life on Earth. 

His mission included the renunciation of His rights as God. The One who participated in the Creation of the world, who sits at the right hand of the Father in Heaven, and who will be at the final judgment seated on the throne gave up that station in order to submit to the Father’s divine will. There is no greater condescension than that the Lord Jesus Christ came from the holiness of Heaven to live among the sinfulness of the people on Earth. He endured the hatred of many, the reproach of unbelievers, the ridicule of the masses… and yet, He stayed the course to the cross. The Lord’s love for the people of the world far exceeded any wish He might have had to abandon His redemptive mission. 

What an example that is to you! The apostle Paul encourages you to “pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding” (Romans 14:19). Do nothing to cause your brother to stumble. But instead, accept your obligation to your fellow man to bear with his failings, have compassion for him, and build him up for his good (Romans 15:1-2). The Lord did nothing less. 

The world’s response did not slow the Savior’s wonderful works of healing and sacrifice. Pray now that you, people in your neighborhood, and government leaders would know what it is to surrender self to build up the good in and for another.