that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine.

God has not rejected his people whom he chose long ago. Do you not know what the Scripture says in the story about Elijah, when he pleads with God against Israel?

For by the grace given to me I ask every one of you not to think of yourself more highly than you should think, rather to think of yourself with sober judgment on the measure of faith that God has assigned each of you.

In the same way, even though we are many people, we are one body in the Messiah and individual parts connected to each other.

Be devoted to each other with mutual affection. Excel at showing respect for each other.

Live in harmony with each other. Do not be arrogant, but associate with humble people. Do not think that you are wiser than you really are.

This is necessary because you know the times it's already time for you to wake up from sleep, because our salvation is nearer now than when we became believers.

Accept anyone who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of arguing over differences of opinion.

One person believes that he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables.

One person decides in favor of one day over another, while another person decides that all days are the same. Let each one be fully convinced in his own mind:

Consequently, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Therefore, let's no longer criticize each other. Instead, make up your mind not to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.

The right thing to do is to avoid eating meat, drinking wine, or doing anything else that makes your brother stumble, upset, or weak.

Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building him up.

For everything that was written long ago was written to instruct us, so that we might have hope through the endurance and encouragement that the Scriptures give us.

Now may God, the source of endurance and encouragement, allow you to live in harmony with each other as you follow the Messiah Jesus,

I myself am convinced, my brothers, that you yourselves are filled with goodness and full of all the knowledge you need to be able to instruct each other.

Now to the one who is able to strengthen you with my gospel and the message that I preach about Jesus, the Messiah, by revealing the secret that was kept hidden from long ago