The Pulpit Commentary — Romans — Section 435

I. TrrE MORAL PRECEPT, The authoritative counsel of the apostle is both negative and JX'Siti,-e, dissuasi,e and persuasiYe. 1. Selfishness is fo1·bidden, It need eoaroely be Mid that undue opinion of self, an undue confidence in one's own judgment, an undue regard t-0 one's own interest, are common faults. ,ve are all naturally prone to please self, even when to do so is injurious to others and displeasing to God. The unrenewed man is in the habit of following the lead of his own appetites, tastes, and inc Hnat.ions, though these be worldly and sinful. This is not to be wondered at. Of the wandering sheep it is said, "They ha,e turned every one to hie own way," Few are the sins, ,ic~s, crimes, which cannot be traced t-0 the action of thie powerful principle, which induces men t-0 prefer their own gratification to all beside. But it must not be sup- posed that this is a fault from which the disciples of Christ are universally or generally free. They are not only tempted to please themselves in worldly pursuits; they are in danger of carrying selfishness into their very religion. How often do we find Christians trying to tbrust their own views, their own tastes, their own practices, upon their neigh- bours, whether these are willing or unwilling I There may be a want of consideration and forbears.nee within Christian societies, and in the relation of such societies to one s.nother. .And there are too many whose one idea of religion is this-how they may themselves be saved s.nd made happy. Let it be remembered that the admonition of the text was addressed to Christians. If these Romans needed it, perhaps we may like- wise. 2. Unseljiihnet/$ i.s enjoined. This passage reminds us that this self-denying posture of mind is t.o be maintained with regard to a special cl,a,ss, Suppose that you a.re strong; yet it must not be lost Bight of that some are weak. .Are their infirmities to be despised? The apostle enjoins us to consider them, and to bear with them. There may be those whose infirmity is owing to youth and inexperience, and those whore infirmity is that of age. There are some who are weak physically, and who perhaps are therefore irritable. Many are weak mentally; their ability is small, their education h:i.s been neglected. .And some are weak spiritually-babes in Christ, though perhaps men in years. Such are not t-0 be despised or derided by such as are strong, Deal patiently, tenderly, forbearingly with such as these. The admonition is more general. We are to please our neighbour, Le. every one we have to do with, whether "\"l'eak or strong. This does not mean that we are to gratify all his foolish whims and caprices--to try, as some do, to please everybody, at all costs; to flatter the vain, and cajole the ignorant, and humour the petulant. By "pleasing " here we may under- stand benefiting and serving. If there be any doubt about this, the limitation here introduced by the apostle solves such doubt; it is "for that which is good," and "unto edifying." .As regards our fellow-Christians, our service will naturally take the form of helpfulness to them in their need, and spiritual ministrations according to our capacity and opportunity, with effort for their elevation and happiness. .As regards our irre- ligious neighbours, our unselfish service will be mainly effort for their enlightenment and salvation. Probably such effort will displease, rather than please, the careless and self-indulgent, whom we seek to awaken to a better life. Yet the time may come when even such will look back with thankfulness and delight upon benevolent effort and earnest prayer, by which they have received imperishable good. Selfishness, then, is the curse of the world and the bane of the C..,'hurcb; whilst, on the other hand, they obey their Lord, and promote their own welfare and that of society, who are considerate and forbearing towards the weak, and who aim at pleasing and benefiting all who come within the range of their influence. IL THE I:ELIG1ous oaom."'l> FOB THE PRECEPT. Christianity bases every duty upon a Divine fow:,dation. 1. The virtue of unselfishness is for Christians a virtue springing r(rm their rel,a,tion to their Lord. Sympathy is in its rudiments a natural principle; { ut this stands a poor chance when it comes into conflict with natural self-love. Both these principles are good. and virtue lies in their proper adjustment. It is the sacrifice, the spirit, the example of our Divine Saviour, which assure victory to unselfish benevo- lence. 2. In Christ we observe the tndJlimut illustration of aeif-denial and seif-sacriJl,ce, We cannot fail to see these qualities in his giving up his own ease and plea.sure, and i.ccepting a life of poverty and homeleSBncss. He would not accept e.n earthly kingdom ur worldly honours. In carrying out the purposes of bis mission, be sot himself ago.inst tht powt:rful and the influential amoog hi.s countrymen. 'l'hore we.s no de.y and no er.;t of hil public m.i.nilltry which wa.s not a proof of the assertion, "Evon Ohriat  mr. xv.1-83,] 'l'HE EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE ROMANS. 483