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Report a TypoRomans ◦ Chapter 15
1We, who have had our minds set free from distrust and fear and are therefore strong in our confidence in God and in understanding his methods, have a responsibility to help those still weakened by the infection of distrust and selfishness–and to not simply live to please ourselves.2Each of us should do all in our power to help our neighbor recover from the devastation caused by distrust in God, fear, and selfishness. We should strive to help heal and restore our neighbor.3Christ himself has shown how to live, for he did not live to please himself, but, as the Scriptures state, "I have accepted the abuse meant for you, in order to protect and heal you."4All of the inspired writings of the past were recorded for our benefit–to teach us the truth about God and his plan to heal and restore–so that we would not become discouraged but endure, and remain confident and hopeful.5May God, who strengthens and encourages, give you an attitude of unity as you seek to be like Christ Jesus,6so that with hearts and minds united in the truth you may bring glory to the true God–the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.7Accept one another as sick in need of God's free Remedy (just as Christ has accepted and healed you) and thus bring praise to God–the source of all goodness and health.8For I tell you plainly, Christ promised the patriarchs that he would bring the Remedy to heal humanity, and he came with the truth to the Jews as a humble servant and procured the Remedy, thus keeping his promise.9And this same Remedy, brought by Christ to the Jews, has been made available to all humanity, and thus the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: "Therefore I will reveal the truth about you among the Gentiles; I will sing the beauty of your character."10Again, it says, "Be joyful, O Gentiles, with his people–the Remedy is for all humanity."11And again, "Accept the cure and be healed to be like Jesus, all you Gentiles, and sing joyful thanks to him, all people of the earth."12And again, Isaiah says, "A descendant of Jesse will grow up, one who will arise to govern the world; and the Gentiles will trust in him."13As you trust in God, may your fear be expelled and your hearts filled with joy and peace, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may be continually filled with hope.14I am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you have opened your hearts and minds to God and are filled with goodness, and that you genuinely know God and are capable of teaching others about him.15I have been quite direct on some issues in my letter to you, but only to remind you of the important matters we are all aware of. I have done this because God graciously called me16to be his ambassador in taking the healing truth about Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. I have been privileged to carry out my duty as a faithful minister of spiritual health and to proclaim the good news about God to the Gentiles so that they, by the working of the Holy Spirit, may be fully healed and restored back into God's original ideal for humanity.17Therefore it is my glory and joy to serve God by presenting the truth as revealed in Christ Jesus.18I will not waste my time talking about anything except what I have been privileged to accomplish by working with Christ–bringing the transforming truth to the Gentiles.19God has revealed himself in signs and miracles, and through the power of truth and love brought by the Spirit. So from Jerusalem all the way to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the good news about God as revealed in Christ.20It has always been my heart's desire to take the healing Remedy about God to where the truth of Christ was not yet known, so that I would be working with those who are most in need.21As it is written: "Those who have never heard the truth about God, which heals the mind, will see and understand."22This is what has kept me from coming to you.23But now that the truth has been taken to all these places, and since I have been longing to come to you for so many years,24I plan to do so on my way to Spain, and I hope to be able to visit with you then. After spending some time with you, I hope you can assist me on my way.25But currently, I am on my way to Jerusalem to be of service to the saints there,26for our brothers in Macedonia and Achaia were eager to make a donation for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.27They were glad to help, and even felt indebted to them, for they felt a real sense of gratitude for being able to share in God's healing Remedy, which came through the Jews, and so they wanted to share their financial blessings with the Jews.28So once I have taken this gift to the saints in Jerusalem, I will go on to Spain and visit you on the way.29I know that when I come to you, I will do so with Christ's blessing.30I beg you, brothers and sisters, by your desire to be like our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit who lives in you, to pray to God with me.31Pray that I will be protected from the unbelievers in Judea and that the believers in Jerusalem will accept my service and the gifts I bring from their fellow believers,32so that if it be God's will, I will come to you rejoicing, and together we will be refreshed.33The great God of peace be with you all. Amen.