Romans 15:1-2. Those who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
Confession – I’m not so good at dealing with the failings of the weak – and quite honestly not good at dealing with my own failings either. I can think of hundreds of examples at work, home, driving… where my reaction to someone’s ‘weakness’ is not even in the same atmosphere as strong and able to deal – not to mention having the ability to build them up. Why does it have to be so hard to encourage the broken when we are annoyed with their behavior?!
My work and home life give me many opportunities to practice my strength and ‘tolerance’ of others sin. It’s very convicting to listen to the dialog in my head as I vent about those who are rude, selfish, dumb….and to have my heart be tugged on by the Holy Spirit as I’m reminded how dumb and rude and selfish I have been and Am. In my weak failing state Jesus still died to save me. My venting isn’t like Jesus – it’s my weakness in need of His strength.
So, how we do we deal with others weaknesses in the midst of our own? We humble ourselves! Take the high road and put things in perspective. Everyone has a different story, different people have impacted their lives and we are all doing the best we know how to do. (Even though that can be hard to believe at times)
I can’t say my faith is the best or strongest, far from it – but there are people in my life that need exactly the experience and viewpoint that only I can provide – God has entrusted me and you with people to influence, build up and help discover Christ. So that they can be transformed into the strong who raise up more of the weak.
So let us have understanding, be humble and lead those around us by example with grace. Hold yourself to a higher standard so that others may be drawn to Christ through your kindness, grace, and love.
So, we’ve been given our calling to live out Romans 15:1-2. God has given us the power to inspire others to discover their best self – so will you live out Romans 15:1-2 at home? Work? At the grocery store?
