Do What’s Right, Not What’s Good || Romans 15:2 || Manna for the Mind #59

Welcome to Day 59 of the “Manna for the Mind” devotional series! This series is about taking scripture passages (typically 1-3 verses) and building our understanding of their teachings through their context and connecting scripture. I believe that doing this helps us understand how to be the type of human that God created us to be.

Today’s passage is Romans 15:2. We’ll talk about how we can help others do the right thing.

Romans 15:2

2             We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.

It’s a simple message. What does it mean to do what’s right? What does it mean to build someone up in God? Let’s dig into that before we discuss our connecting scripture.

In this context, doing what is right is the Greek verb areskó (ar-es’-ko), which means to please. It’s the idea of pleasing someone through serving the person willingly. It’s the concept of satisfying others. You’d want to win their favor and meet their expectations. (Hang with me for a moment.) It’s assumed that this concept comes from the Greek word airo through the idea of an exciting emotion. Airo (ah’-ee’-ro) makes to raise, take up, or lift.

My red flags were waving as I went through this definition. I hear the concept of “people pleasing” loud and clear in the middle. Please stick with me when we hit our connecting scripture because I promise to tie everything together.

To build up is the Greek noun oikodomé (oy-kod-om-ay’), which means the act of building or a building itself. Literally, it refers to a building. Figuratively, it refers to the constructive criticism and instruction that builds a person up to be the suitable dwelling place of God. It’s related to the word oikodomeó (oy-kod-om-eh’-o), which means to build a house. Figuratively, it means to help someone stand firm.

Paul wants us to be excited to serve others in a way that meets their needs and to give someone advice or constructive criticism to help them become a stronger Christian. Meeting their needs and doing what is right can be two different things. Listen to what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:23-24.

1 Corinthians 10:23-24

23        You say, “I am allowed to do anything” – but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything” – but not everything is beneficial.

24        Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.

This is not to say that we should do whatever someone asks us. We have to keep those we help accountable and ensure those we help aren’t attempting or wanting to do something that might cause harm to themselves or to others. We live in an “I’m gonna do me” culture. People often focus on what is best for themselves, not caring about who they might hurt. That lifestyle might work in the short term, but the long-term implications are frightening. Doing things on your own will lead to higher anxiety, higher isolation, higher pressure, and higher perfection, and none of those things are what God wants you to live by. We were not created to do life alone. We aren’t created to allow others to do life alone.

This comes through making sure our lifestyle follows the advice we’re going to give. How do we know this works? Think of a problem you’re dealing with. Then, imagine if someone walked up to you with that same problem. How would you respond? Paul encourages us to be sensitive and gracious. Is that how you’re treating yourself? It’s not about being hypersensitive to those around you and hyperaware of what others may think. It’s about genuine awareness. It’s about being willing to limit what we do when there’s a chance of being misunderstood and offended. Some of the things we do may not be wrong, but they may not be what others need.

I think of a significant “ick” factor I hear about between generations. Younger generations are getting more tattoos, are involved in LGBTQIA+ relationships, adopt pets, treat them as if they were their own kids, and so on and so forth. I’m sure you can fill in your own “OK Boomer!” critique. However, many older generations look down on that because they wouldn’t do it for themselves. They have a standard set for themselves, and when they see others go against that standard, they become offended. They are watching others live in a way that isn’t “right” based on their beliefs. Christians often do this with LGBTQIA+ couples and the amount of scripture bashing that comes with it. If a Christian is against it, they will be offended by seeing it publicly with the frequent comment of “shoving it down someone’s throat.”

We must remember that all have received freedom through Christ, but we aren’t to use that freedom to knock down a Christian brother or sister or really any human. We are to lift them up. Talk about the whys behind all of that so we can reach a mutual understanding, even if it’s “to agree to disagree.” We aren’t the final judge. We aren’t the ones who’ll pay the consequences if they’re living in the wrong way. God will take care of all that, and how they live is between them and God. Our response is to talk, connect, understand, and, above all, love. If they don’t live like you think, they should love them. If they don’t do what you think, they should love them. Ultimately, our role is to help others do what is right (with love) and build them up in the Lord.

Father God, thank you for the gift of discernment, helping us do and avoid what is right. You call us to love our neighbor as you love us, which comes with corrective behavior. Please help us to help others. Please help us share the way you taught us with others. Please help us to encourage others to live out a strong faith and relationship with you. It’s in your name, we pray. Amen.