Pleasing Others, Not Ourselves

15 Now we who are strong have an obligation to bear the weaknesses of those without strength,^(A) and not to please ourselves. ² Each one of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.^{(B) 3} For even Christ did not please himself.^(C) On the contrary, as it is written, The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.^{[a](D) 4} For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction,^(E) so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures. ⁵ Now may the God who gives^[b] endurance and encouragement^(F) grant you to live in harmony with one another,^(G) according to Christ Jesus, ⁶ so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ^(H) with one mind and one voice.

Glorifying God Together

⁷ Therefore welcome one another,^(I) just as^[c] Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God. ⁸ For I say that Christ became a servant of the circumcised^[d] on behalf of God’s truth,^(J) to confirm the promises to the fathers,^{(K) 9} and so that Gentiles^(L) may glorify God for his mercy.^(M) As it is written,

¹⁰ Again it says, Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people!^{[f](O) 11} And again,

¹² And again, Isaiah says,

¹³ Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe^(S) so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.^(T)

Self-Examination

²⁷ So, then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sin against the body^[a] and blood of the Lord. ²⁸ Let a person examine himself; in this way let him eat the bread and drink from the cup. ²⁹ For whoever eats and drinks without recognizing the body,^[b] eats and drinks judgment^(A) on himself. ³⁰ This is why many are sick and ill among you, and many have fallen asleep.^{(B) 31} If we were properly judging ourselves, we would not be judged, ³² but when we are judged^(C) by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we may not be condemned^(D) with the world.

³³ Therefore, my brothers and sisters, when you come together to eat, welcome one another.^{[c] 34} If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you gather together you will not come under judgment. I will give instructions about the other matters whenever I come.^(E)

End-Time Ethics

⁷ The end of all things is near;^(A) therefore, be alert and sober-minded^(B) for prayer. ⁸ Above all, maintain constant love^(C) for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.^{[a](D) 9} Be hospitable^(E) to one another without complaining. ¹⁰ Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others,^(F) as good stewards of the varied grace of God. ¹¹ If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides,^(G) so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.