Christianity: A System of Belonging-Paul concludes this section of the letter with his prayer for Christians to be able to live together in harmony. This can happen only if believers who are strong in faith will please others before themselves so that the whole church can be unified.
This unity is based on the fact that Christ fulfilled God’s promises to Israel and saved Gentiles as well. This is why we must glorify Him!
The Belonging System
There is broad consensus that belonging is a basic human need and that most people seek to satisfy this need in their lives. However, there is much less agreement on what belonging means and how to develop it.
Belonging is a social construct that is influenced by diverse cultural and environmental conditions, individual differences, and situations. As such, the motivations for belonging may vary substantially across different contexts.
In Romans 15:6-7 Paul teaches that all Christians should please their neighbors, not just those who share their faith but even those who do not. This reflects the tension between Christian freedom and responsibility that is at the heart of Christianity.
While there is much disagreement about what causes and enhances belonging, most scholars agree that it is a complex and dynamic process involving interpersonal interactions, contextual factors, and personal characteristics. Moreover, the process of belonging is often a socially evaluated accomplishment. This is because belonging involves both effort to belong and a sense of being recognized for this effort.
The Endurance System
The Roman Christians have been challenged by various philosophies that conflict with Christian freedom and responsibility. Paul has encouraged them to please other believers above themselves, so the church will be unified in Christ and be strong. Now he asks God to provide endurance (patience) and encouragement to help them do it.
In the previous verse he had asked for these qualities in regard to his work among Gentiles. Now he wants the same for his fellow believers in Rome. He is especially focusing on their need to stand firm in the face of criticism.
The Encouragement System
The prayer in this verse closes the unit on endurance and encouragement begun in Romans 14:1. It is directed to the God of hope.
Christians with strong faith should learn to live with those of weaker faith, and not please themselves but rather each other and Christ. Then, all believers will be able to harmonize and sing with one voice in the church.
This teaching on Christian freedom and responsibility is not intended to pit Jewish believers against converts from pagan lands. Paul wanted to show that both groups benefited from the grace of God, and both were free from rules and rituals that prevented their relationship with God from maturing. This freedom was given to the world through Jesus. He was the example for all believers, weak and strong. He bore reproaches with patience and encouragement. This was a pattern they should emulate.
The Encouraging System
The church needs encouragement and perseverance, and this is provided through the scriptures. It is a combination of faith and practice that results in confidence for life, death, and the promised hope of Christ’s return.
The goal of Christianity has always been intimate fellowship with God and Christlikeness in the present. This comes about through a growing relationship with God and service to other believers in the body of Christ. It also comes about as a result of the gospel being proclaimed to unbelievers, resulting in their becoming Christians.
Paul enjoins the Roman church to please one another (pluroma / pleroma). He wants them to be accepting of each other. It is a command, and it is based on the truth that Jesus accepts all people for whom He died, even the ones who were disobedient to the law of Moses. It is a clear call for believers to strive against sin and evil in their lives and in the world.
