Unlimited: Bear the Failings of the Weak
Nov 1, 2023 464
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves (Romans 15:1).
The principle which Paul gives us here is that we ought to bear the failings of those who are weaker than we are. He is referring to those who are weak because they strongly insist on living according to different religious principles. These are principles that no longer apply because of our liberty in Christ.
It is easy to feel irritated, and even angry, at the behaviour of some people within the community of Christ. We want to criticise and condemn these people. We don’t want to bear with their failings. We prefer to please ourselves in our attitude toward them.
However, we are not to give in to our initial inclinations, according to what our natural hearts tell us is right.
To bear the failings of the weak means to come alongside them and help them carry the burden of their doubts and fears.
Jesus is the great burden-bearer. He bears our failings and our burdens. David, the Psalmist, encourages us to,
Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you (Ps. 55:22.)
In the same way, as part of the one body in the Lord, we are to bear one another’s burdens.
Paul tells us what we should do is much more than just “putting up” with these people. To bear the failings of the weak means to come alongside them and help them carry the burden of their doubts and fears. It calls for empathy, gentleness, and love.
Spiritual Application
Do you just “put up” with people who cause you trouble, or do you actively love them and bear their burdens?
Peter Makuluni
Nov 1, 2023
I have gained a lesson here that how much I do to myself I must also do the same to someone,those who are failings and weak, I can be a pilar to hold the upright.
Olivia Jeter
Nov 1, 2023
I must say I love my spouse and I love to take care of him not because he has taking care of me for some many years though bad and good times his stroke 😭 hurted me and I let my emotions get the best of me I get so upset at times I pray and ask the Lord to go to the Father and help me to learn how to cope with what we're going through his stroke was on the right side of his body and that why he don't know how to use his Left side, I 🙏 amen
Stephen
Nov 1, 2023
I am the power of attorney for a friend of mine who has Alzheimer's he married a woman a few years ago who professed to be a Christian it was obvious to those around him that there was something wrong with him at that stage but he was able to hide it from people. She divorced him last year and was able to get half his assets. She found it very difficult to cope with his decline and decided to divorce him. Now I find myself trying to help him when and where I can in his condition he is not the easiest person to be around and it has been difficult learning the lesson you are talking about, but it causes me to cry out to the Lord for his strength and wisdom although my natural man finds it difficult I know God has a purpose and a plan in the circumstances I have found myself, so as James say I try to count it all joy and through the process Christ's character is being formed in me for His Glory. Thanks for allowing me to share. May God encourage all those who find themselves in various situations where they have to die to themselves and help carry the Burnden of a brother, sister or friend in this life, looking forward to the reward that Christ has for us all in the next life.