What does it mean to please others?

Romans 15:2 Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. Yesterday, we were encouraged by the first verse of Rom. 15 to take every opportunity we are given to please others when it comes to debatable issues. Today, we learn from Paul what he meant by “pleasing others.” He wasn’t giving them a blanket principle to always make others feel happy in the flesh. At the end of chapter 13, Paul told them not to make provision for the flesh to satisfy one’s lusts. If I’m to apply that admonition to myself, I am certainly also to apply it to my neighbor. It might please my neighbor if I give him $50 to buy a lottery ticket, but is that in his best interest? Is it for His good and edification? This gives us a great opportunity to define what is good for our neighbor. Remember that in Rom. 8:28 Paul wrote that God works all things together for our good. The highest good for everyone is that they bring glory to God, their Maker. Our being most satisfied in Jesus glorifies God. Our being transformed into the image of Christ glorifies God. God is working everything for His glory. So when we are faced with situations like the ones mentioned in Rom. 14, we are to act in such a way that our neighbor gives glory to God. Remember also that Paul said in Rom. 13:9-10 “if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” As we wrap our minds around what it means to love with Jesus, as we relate to those He puts in our paths, our neighbors, we do well to ask what we can do to encourage them to be most satisfied in Jesus, to become more like Jesus, to build them up in their faith, and to bring Him glory. Our answers to these questions will certainly please our neighbor when he comes to stand before Jesus at His return, and it will also please us in that day.