Romans 15:2: WHY Please Your Neighbor?

Romans 15:2.. "Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up."

Why do we please our neighbor? So often, we please our neighbor in order that he might please us in return. It's the classic I-scratch-your-back, you-scratch-mine mentality. However, although scripture commands us to please our neighbor, it commands us to do so for his benefit, not ours.

In Romans 15:2, scripture commands us to please our neighbor "for his good, to build him up." Therefore, the basis for why we please our neighbor is in order that he might become more like Christ. Why do we please our neighbor? Not so that he can love us in return, but so that he might love God in return! It's not about you, it's about your neighbor and God's glory.

So, examine yourself, Have you selfishly pleased your neighbor lately? I believe we all have. What would it look like if we pleased our neighbors selflessly? What would it look like it we gave of ourselves to please and build up our neighbor, asking for nothing in return? Surely this would look like the love of Christ.