1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of
the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for
his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written,
"The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me." 4 For whatever
was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance
and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God
of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another,
in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ
has welcomed you, for the glory of God. ~ Romans 15:1-7 (English Standard
Version)
We who are strong is saying that those who have realized an awareness
and understanding of their Christian faith. We know this awareness and
understanding only comes from the Holy Spirit and is not from just studying
however if we do not read and study God’s Word then the Holy Spirit has nothing
to work with. By saying we Paul included himself in this statement setting
himself as an example of the duty or “obligation” and bound by God’s law to
“bear with the failings of the weak,” those who are “weak” in faith and
knowledge, not only those who are new to the faith but also those who are going
through trials and temptations.
This is not a license to join in on others misconceptions,
depravedness, lies and false teachings. Paul’s statement about bearing with
there failings, he is saying that we are to bear with them as we do when our
children or a when loved one is sick. We are to hold their hand and walk with
them in the way they are defiant and rebellious. We may feel this as an
unbearable weight but it is our obligation to stand under this weight with
them, we should not be unforgiving or grumbling, we are not to negatively
challenge or contradict them but be discerning in the way instruct and lead
them by our words and actions.
We are not to please ourselves in the things that are of no
consequence without any consideration to what others may think or say. We
should not be egotistical while reflecting upon our own consciousness and in contempt
of others because of their naïveté, we should not live by the entitlement of
our freedom and contentedness but for the good of others, we should humbly
retreat from our own deservedness and allow others to come along at their own
pace.
It was Jesus Christ who bore all our guilt and sin, it was He that
withstood the curse for all our mistakes, we are just called to carry a small
“burden” for our fellow brother and sister, to bear a small portion of the
shortcomings of those who are weak around us. God’s Word is here for our use
and advantage just as much as it was for those who read it the first time.
God’s Holy Spirit is our Comforter and the distinguished of our inheritance.
Like-mindedness must be in accord to the basic truth of Jesus Christ according
to His motive and example. We must earnestly seek this priceless gift from God,
Adonai, our Creator and Master invites us and fortifies us by showing Himself
as a unassuming and humble Spirit. This is an example we as His servants should
seek to mimic especially of those who are strong in faith to the weak in spirit.
Our goal must be that God be glorified in all our actions; nothing better validates
this than the collaborative love and kindness of those who declare to be
followers of Jesus Christ the Messiah!
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his
own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed,
and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the
slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not
his mouth. ~ Isaiah 53:6-7 (ESV)
Father please give us the wisdom to be an
example to our brothers and sisters as Jesus is an example to us. Help us to
know when to speak and when to keep our mouths closed and our opinions to
ourselves. Make all our action and the few words we do speak be a lamp post
that brings glory and honor to You and Your Name! Amen. <><
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