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

The concept of sharing can be a difficult one to teach to young children. Most toddlers cannot understand why they are not allowed to have everything they want when they want it. Although the dynamic is different from the type of sharing taught to young children, the concept of sharing and supporting others can sometimes be a difficult one for adults to understand, even as believers in Christ.

Today’s culture tends to teach people to look out for themselves rather than others. But as usual, the Bible teaches the opposite. In Romans, Paul specifically calls those who consider themselves strong to use their strength to help their brothers and sisters around them. The way to true happiness and fulfillment, according to Paul, is to start building others up. In doing so, you will be built up yourself. Paul is not saying that Christians are to become “people-pleasers” or allow those who are weak to rule the church. Instead, he is simply challenging the church to act in a way that keeps the good of their neighbor in mind.

Not unlike the child who must be taught to be considerate of others, believers need to learn to notice those around them and not focus on themselves alone. God may be challenging you today. Be conscious of how you act each day. Ask the Lord if your actions benefit someone else or only yourself. And pray for those in authority in the United States. Ask that God would give them a heart focused on how to benefit the people they represent.