Paul’s letter to the Romans begins with a powerful reminder: “You are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people” (Romans 1:7, NLT). Because we are loved, we can live unashamed (Romans 1:16), even in a world full of wrong.
As Paul concludes his letter, he doesn’t just give theological insight, he also offers a call to action. He commends the Roman church for being “full of goodness” and “knowing these things well” (Romans 15:14), but he also reminds them that even healthy believers need to make an intentional effort to keep living right.
So how do we do that? Paul gives us a three-part strategy: bear, build, and bless.
1. Bear the Burdens of Others
Romans 15:1 says, “We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves.” Spiritual maturity is not about getting your way. It’s about carrying the weight for those who are weaker. Being “strong” doesn’t mean throwing your weight around; it means using your strength to lift others up. When you bear someone’s burden, you model Christ, who bore the ultimate burden of our sin. Serving others is one of the best ways to live right in a world full of wrong.
2. Build Others Up
Verse 2 continues: “We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.” This is where encouragement comes in. A church that encourages is a church that grows. We build others by speaking hope, praying faithfully, and pointing them to Christ.
Paul ties this to Scripture in verse 4: “Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.” When we are people of the Word, we become people of hope.
3. Bless the Neighbors Around You
When Paul calls the church “full of goodness” (v. 14), he’s describing a community overflowing with blessings. Living right isn’t just about personal holiness. It’s also about public witness. Our goodness should spill over into our neighborhoods, workplaces, and relationships. Paul reminds us that this mission isn’t just local but global. The gospel is for Jew and Gentile, for every tribe and nation. A healthy church balances ministry “here” with a vision for “there.”
The Power of God’s Word
Finally, Paul roots all of this in God’s Word. The Bible is inspired, infallible, and authoritative. It’s God’s roadmap for hope. But it does no good if it sits unopened.
Satan knows that if he can keep you from reading Scripture, he can keep you from hope, endurance, and encouragement. If you want to live right in a world full of wrong, then study God’s Word, serve others, and love Jesus with everything you have. When you do, you become a light in the darkness, a person who bears burdens, builds others, and blesses the world.