In one form or another, we will hear (and at times, perhaps say) something similar to this phrase. There are times, however, when this advice falls flat and will leave us feeling more hollow than before we chose this course of action. What is the highest pursuit of a human being if not to please himself or herself?

Let us consider for a moment that there is a higher calling for an individual than living primarily or exclusively for self. If this is the case, then nothing short of that which is higher (no, highest) will reach that altitude.

Listen to these words that Paul wrote to the believers in Rome:

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written:
“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;
    I will sing the praises of your name.”

Again, it says,
“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”

And again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
    let all the peoples extol him.”

And again, Isaiah says,
“The Root of Jesse will spring up,
    one who will arise to rule over the nations;
    in him the Gentiles will hope.”

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:1-13

Reflection

• Do you feel like you “overflow with hope” today? Why or why not?
• Is peace a familiar presence when you first wake up, or is it more elusive than a winged unicorn?
• What good is it anyway to consider the needs (and weaknesses) of other people?
• What circumstances do we face today that require more endurance than we get from a cup of coffee? What empowers this endurance for us?