Romans 15:1-3 (KJV)
1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
These three verses summarise Romans chapter 14 (have a read of it). In the world selfishness is often used to succeed but in the Kingdom of God things are different.GOD desires us to be selfless. “Matthew 23:11 (KJV) But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”. This fruit of true selflessness only can grow when we are born again. That is how it is like with every fruit from GOD.
We need to know and understand that each one of us is different, have matured and is maturing in different rates and areas. Our beliefs of what is ok or what is not ok can differ. We should not judge our bothers and sisters because of that “Romans 14:1-3 (KJV) Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.”. Instead of judging or trying to impose, for example meat on those who don’t eat meat, we should be selfless and please them, for example by serving food that they would appreciate.
Imagine if everyone in the body of Christ follows verse 2 “Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification” and e-Sword 1 Corinthians 10:24 (KJV) “Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth” then everyone will be edified and pleased. No one would miss out. It could be like a never ending cycle of giving and receiving. If one part of the body of Christ either stops giving or receiving the cycle of blessing will be broken and someone will miss out. Pleasing and edification cover all areas right from physical needs right through to spiritual needs. We should use what we have and our gifts (natural and spiritual) in a selfless manner. Jesus Christ is our example and we all desire to follow Him, “For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.” To keep things in correct balance we need to understand that all this does not mean that we should neglect ourself but take care of ourself as well as others. It is not mutually exclusive.
Therefore let us endeavour to grow more and more in these attitudes as we saw in Romans 15:1-3 and is written in “Philippians 2:2-8 (KJV) Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”