We then who are strong ought to bear with the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Romans 15:1
No matter where one goes, there is always someone nearby that is stronger and someone else who is weaker. People are always different and at different stages in their lives, even at the same physical age. Each one can do different things. It is common that one who is stronger to look down upon those who are weaker as being inferior or not of as great of value.
Paul tells the people in Rome that those who are strong need to be patient with the weaknesses of those who are weaker so that they do not just please themselves.
When someone it is strong, it is easy for a person to get upset about someone who is weaker. It feels as if one is doing all the work alone, rather than others helping out at the same time.
Although weakness is commonly seen in physical strength, it can come in other areas of life. Weakness in temperament, in character, in following orders and much more.
God has given guidelines on how one is to live life here on this earth. His guideline is very detailed and covers every area of life. Knowing all of these guidelines and being able to live by them completely is impossible. It is a progress of growth, growing stronger in the Lord.
Each person will be at a slightly different stage in that process. It is common for older, stronger believers to look down on those who are not so strong, wondering why they just can’t do it.
Rather than just judge, one needs to encourage and build up. Point the person in the right direction and guide in walking that way. This keeps one from pleasing oneself by looking down on others.
All around you are people who are not as strong as you are in some areas of life. There are also some who are much stronger than you in some areas of life. Be careful on how you treat those who are weaker than you. Everyone, including you, are learning how to walk with God more and more. Work with those who are weaker and hold them up. Do not put yourself on a pedestal as though you are better than they. You and they all need Jesus and to grow more in the Lord.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that God will reveal your own weaknesses; that you will be patient with those who are weaker in the Lord; and that you will build others up in the Lord.
Photo by Karin Kim on Unsplash
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