Definition: For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Romans 15:3. It's a really profound statement about God’s love and the impact of suffering. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Think of it like this: “Even Christ pleased not himself…” – This is the key part. It’s saying that Jesus, the Son of God, felt sad or disappointed . He was hurt by the things people said about him and the ways they treated him. It's a big contrast – a divine being experiencing human suffering. “…but, as it is written…” - This means that what happened to Jesus wasn’t just random bad luck. It was written . The Bible says this particular situation was already part of God’s plan for us. “The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.” – Now, these are the things people said about you (and everyone else). They criticized, offended, and wronged you. These were the negative things they said when they were unhappy with you. It was a painful experience for Jesus to be subjected to this negativity. So, what does it all mean? This verse is essentially saying that God’s love isn't perfect. He’s not always happy about how people treat us or the things they say about us. When someone causes you pain or suffering, it is part of God's plan to bring about healing and restoration. It’s a message of: God’s Sovereignty: God is in control and doesn’t just ignore our problems. He actively works for good even when things seem bad. Forgiveness and Redemption: Even though we’ve been hurt, God offers forgiveness and the possibility of being made new – like Jesus. In a nutshell, this verse tells us that suffering can be a part of God's plan to bring about healing, reconciliation, and ultimately, a greater relationship with Him. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a reminder to not let negativity or criticism control our lives. It’s a call to remain hopeful and trust in God's ultimate goodness even when things are difficult. --- Do you want me to: Explain it further with examples? Discuss the different interpretations of this verse? Give you a short summary of its significance within the larger context of the Bible?