Notes of Faith March 8, 2026
Pastor’s Pen Pulpit
June 10, 2001
“FOR THE OTHER’S GOOD”
Romans 15:1-3a
Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. For even Christ did not please Himself.
The common practice of all mankind naturally is for each of us to please ourselves, foremost of all. That’s just the way we are! We entered the world with that mentality and we live up to it very well.
One exception. Jesus Christ came not to please Himself, but what He did was for the benefit of others - and in doing that He pleased the Father. Christ didn’t live for Himself. He didn’t die for Himself. His death was a birth message for us. His death benefits us in that it gives us life.
His life was a growth message for us. It’s observing how He lived in His everyday world. How He handled the difficulties and setbacks that invaded His life becomes the norm for our growth for He definitely worked His way through them. Jesus was the overcomer. We are told to walk as He walked (cf. I John 2:6).
Have you received eternal life through believing that the death of the Lord Jesus applies personally to you (II Corinthians 5:21)? On the cross He took your sins and removed them from you as far as the east is from the west (cf. Psalms 103:12).
And how about your life? Do you see Jesus as the great example for you? Do you desire to see your life affect someone else in a godly, positive way? If you are concentrating on influencing others for the Lord Jesus Christ you can rest assured that you are living for the good of others. This is something we have to do daily. In your talk and your conduct do you have other’s good in view as Jesus had your good in view? Let’s work on it together. God bless.
Love to you all,
Pastor Charles Covington
Matt 22:36-40
"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" 37 And He said to him, " 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' 38 "This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 "The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' 40 "On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets."
John 13:34-35
34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
Gal 6:10
So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
Rom 12:10
10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor…
Rom 13:8
8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
Eph 4:32
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Col 3:16
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
A word that is implied in many of these verses is “sacrifice”. We are to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of others. We need to be an example of Christ to those who are without Christ and use our gifting for the blessing and edification of the church, the bride of Christ. May we understand the joy of sacrifice for the benefit of those God is drawing to His eternal family!
Pastor Dale