Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

Unity: modeled by the Messiah, encouraged by scripture

15 We, the “strong” ones, should bear with the frailty of the “weak,” and not please ourselves. ² Each one of us should please our neighbor for his or her good, to build them up.

³ The Messiah, you see, did not please himself. Instead, as the Bible says, “the reproaches of those who reproached you are fallen on me.” ⁴ Whatever was written ahead of time, you see, was written for us to learn from, so that through patience, and through the encouragement of the Bible, we might have hope. ⁵ May the God of patience and encouragement grant you to come to a common mind among yourselves, in accordance with the Messiah, Jesus, ⁶ so that, with one mind and one mouth, you may glorify the God and father of our Lord Jesus the Messiah.