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Strength Expressed in Service

Romans 15:1-3
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbours for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: ‘The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.’ (NIVUK)

Our human nature delights to use our own strength for our own purposes (Luke 12:16-21).  This includes our abilities, possessions, relationships and even the spiritual understanding we treasure.  However, Paul taught the church in Rome that strength is best expressed in service of people who are weak, as Jesus did (Matthew 20:25-28).

Serving other people does not only mean doing things for them or meeting their needs (Galatians 6:2), but also being patient with them – loving them, teaching them and praying for them that they will understand and desire God’s salvation and His will for their lives (Colossians 1:9-13).   “Bearing with the failings of the weak” does not mean condoning or encouraging sin, but giving them safe space to work through their struggles in a godly way.  That is how God is towards us (2 Peter 3:9), patiently waiting for our wholehearted devotion.

God places an obligation on those who believe in Christ not to despise those who are struggling spiritually, but rather to support them.  That was true of the Lord Jesus: in order that we might be rescued from our shameful and hopeless lifestyles, He allowed Himself to be the Suffering Servant, even though people did not understand Him and insulted Him (Isaiah 53:3).

Let us be very careful to consider how our actions and attitudes may either build up another believer in their faith or cause them to fall. Patience (this is expressed by two words in the Greek: long + wrath) does not condone what is wrong or support what is false.  However, patience is God's gracious quality of giving us time and opportunity to understand, repent, and reform.  If God is like that with us, should we also not be divinely patient with others?

 

Prayer 
Most patient and loving God. Thank You that Jesus Christ showed how much He was willing to bear with our weaknesses. Thank You for Your patience towards me, allowing me the opportunity to understand You better and repent. I am sorry when I have disregarded the tender conscience of others or failed to appreciate the struggles which some have had. Please give me Your grace and wisdom to be patient in the face of error and insults, knowing that You are at work - even amongst those who oppose me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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© Dr Paul Adams