Romans 15:1-7, 13

Paul writes: "We should not try to please ourselves, but consider what is good for our neighbors and so build up community."

In the gospel that Paul preached there was a freedom from the constraints of the law that some Christians took as permission to do whatever they wanted. So, Paul is writing the church in Rome to counsel that the spirit of Christ, which liberates Jews and Gentiles from the rules and regulations of the Jewish law, should not be understood as license, but rather as a calling to do whatever is best for the community of the faithful.

Paul must be read not only as a defender of freedom, but also as an advocate of community. He urges Christians to renounce self-interest for the sake of others.

Grace and peace...Bob