"We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves." Romans 15:1.
I do not claim to have arrived. Far from it. As matter of fact I think the Lord put this topic on my heart because it’s one of my weaknesses and something I personally need to work on. So, know this going in, that if what I say steps on your toes, it stepped on my mine first. If the standard seems high, trust me it looks high to me also.
Today as you read this I ask, are you strong? And if you’ve answered yes, I have two more questions for you. 1) Can you tell me what it means to bear the infirmities of the weak? 2) Where are the weak? If you find these questions elementary and easy to answer then let me ask you one more question. Do you practice what you know you should do?
There are three places where I believe all of us will encounter the weak. In our local church family, in our own family, and in the world. I want to take a look at each of these a little closer and see if we can answer these questions. To do this we don’t have to know Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic. We can simply go to God’s two books --- The Holy Scriptures and to nature.
In Our Local Church Family
If we were friends, one of things you’d discover about me is that I love nature. I love reading about it, I love talking about it, and I love being in it. I often spend multiple days out in the backcountry with a backpack, sometimes alone, sometimes with a friend. When I first started putting this newsletter together I naturally went looking in nature to find an example of the principle I wish to get across. I found my example in geese.
Do you know that Geese help each other? Scientists have discovered that when one goose becomes ill, is shot or injured, and drops out of the formation, two other geese will fall out of formation and remain with the weakened goose. They will stay with and protect the injured goose from predators until it is able to fly again or dies.
Let's take time to read again Romans 15:1. Let's read it in context by reading several verses before and after.
We will discover that Paul is talking about those new in the faith. He goes into detail about how there are things that he knows he can in his own Christian liberty do in good conscience, but the new believer might misunderstand and be lead into going against his own conscience, thus condemning himself because whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
We see Paul was talking about food, but the principle can be applied to other things in life besides food. Normally at this point I would start making a list of examples, but the Holy Spirit will bring things to your mind as you think about it. So, Paul is willing to give up things that would please himself for the sake of others. This my friends, is one way we bear the burden of those around us in the church family and not to please ourselves.
There is yet another way we can bear the infirmities of the weak. What about when our Christian brother or sister is wounded by Satan and slips and falls into sin. Paul also has something to say about this. Galatians 6:1-2. "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Now let’s turn to an example that Christ gave that will explain it better than I can. let’s turn to the story of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:30-37. "And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise."
Most of the time when we read this story we think of it as a good moral story that Jesus used to teach that we should treat everyone kindly. And if you’re anything like me, for a lot of my life I did not read much past the physical hurts of the wounded man. I’ve never been in a situation where someone needed medical attention, and if I did, I am not a nurse or an EMT so I’d probably stay with him while calling 911. However, the way I’ve tried to live by this example, is to give people rides when their car is broken down, or help change a tire, or help a neighbor with repairing his house. But these aren’t true emergencies where someone’s life is at stake. So how can this play out in our own lives?
What if it’s more than binding up someone’s physical wounds? What if we turn the story into a spiritual example? What if the story is about a fellow brother in the church who along life’s highway is surprised by Satan and his ilk, and for a moment takes his eyes of Christ, and one of Satan’s many darts finds it mark and knocks him to the ground severely wounding him? And while the man is struggling to get up on his knees, Satan and his demons kick him while he’s down and works him over in a big way. He is now not capable of helping himself but needs help desperately. Will you help?
Will you pour the soothing and healing oil of the scriptures on his wounds? Will you wrap him up in bandages of brotherly love? Will you give liberally of your time and resources to make sure that he is well cared for, even it takes you a great distance out of your way and messes up your plans? Will you return to check on him and pray with him?
As you think about this let’s read from the book Christ’s Object Lessons.
In every assembly for worship, there are souls longing for rest and peace. They may appear to be living careless lives, but they are not insensible to the influence of the Holy Spirit. Many among them might be won for Christ.
If the lost sheep is not brought back to the fold, it wanders until it perishes. And many souls go down to ruin for want of a hand stretched out to save. These erring ones may appear hard and reckless; but if they had received the same advantages that others have had, they might have revealed far more nobility of soul, and greater talent for usefulness. Angels pity these wandering ones. Angels weep, while human eyes are dry and hearts are closed to pity.
O the lack of deep, soul-touching sympathy for the tempted and the erring! O for more of Christ's spirit, and for less, far less, of self! Pages 191,192.
And now from my favorite book the Desire of Ages.
Christ has linked His interest with that of humanity, and He asks us to become one with Him for the saving of humanity. "Freely ye have received," He says, "freely give." Matthew 10:8. Sin is the greatest of all evils, and it is ours to pity and help the sinner. There are many who err, and who feel their shame and their folly. They are hungry for words of encouragement. They look upon their mistakes and errors, until they are driven almost to desperation. These souls we are not to neglect. If we are Christians, we shall not pass by on the other side, keeping as far as possible from the very ones who most need our help. When we see human beings in distress, whether through affliction or through sin, we shall never say, This does not concern me.
"Ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness." Galatians 6:1. By faith and prayer press back the power of the enemy. Speak words of faith and courage that will be as a healing balsam to the bruised and wounded one. Many, many, have fainted and become discouraged in the great struggle of life, when one word of kindly cheer would have strengthened them to overcome. Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God. Page 504.
Now we are starting to see the picture of what our duty is as Christians to our weaker brothers and sisters.
In Our Own Family
Now let’s take a look and see if there is anything in God’s Word concerning how we should work with the weak in our own families?
Ephesians 6:1-4. Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise; ) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
What if one in the family suddenly becomes frustrated over something, and in so doing starts to talk in very disrespectful tones? What is the response of the strong? Let’s see what Paul says: Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. Romans 12:10.
Here we find some Biblical counsel about behavior in our own personal families. But what does this look like on a practical level. Let me give a couple of examples from the book Adventist Home and you will be able to see practical examples.
Speaking of the mother: "She speaks with calm voice, but it has cost her an effort to restrain harsh words and subdue angry feelings which, if expressed, would have destroyed her influence, which it would have taken time to regain.
The perception of children is quick, and they discern patient, loving tones from the impatient, passionate command, which dries up the moisture of love and affection in the hearts of children. The true Christian mother will not drive her children from her presence by her fretfulness and lack of sympathizing love. Adventist Home, pg 242.
Speaking to the married couple: Do not try to compel each other to do as you wish. You cannot do this and retain each other's love. Manifestations of self-will destroy the peace and happiness of the home. Let not your married life be one of contention. If you do, you will both be unhappy. Be kind in speech and gentle in action, giving up your own wishes. Watch well your words, for they have a powerful influence for good or for ill. Allow no sharpness to come into your voices. Bring into your united life the fragrance of Christlikeness. Adventist Home, pg 107.
What if a child in the family is weak and doesn’t recognize their own course of actions and where that is taking them. Mrs. White says it better than I can.
If there is in the family one child who is unconscious of his sinful state, parents should not rest. Let the candle be lighted. Search the word of God, and by its light let everything in the home be diligently examined, to see why this child is lost. Let parents search their own hearts, examine their habits and practices. Children are the heritage of the Lord, and we are answerable to Him for our management of His property.
There are fathers and mothers who long to labor in some foreign mission field; there are many who are active in Christian work outside the home, while their own children are strangers to the Saviour and His love. The work of winning their children for Christ many parents trust to the minister or the Sabbath school teacher, but in doing this they are neglecting their own God-given responsibility. The education and training of their children to be Christians is the highest service that parents can render to God. It is a work that demands patient labor, a lifelong diligent and persevering effort. By a neglect of this trust we prove ourselves unfaithful stewards. No excuse for such neglect will be accepted by God.
But those who have been guilty of neglect are not to despair. The woman whose coin was lost searched until she found it. So in love, faith, and prayer let parents work for their households, until with joy they can come to God saying, "Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me." Isaiah 8:18.
This is true home missionary work, and it is as helpful to those who do it as to those for whom it is done. By our faithful interest for the home circle we are fitting ourselves to work for the members of the Lord's family, with whom, if loyal to Christ, we shall live through eternal ages. For our brethren and sisters in Christ we are to show the same interest that as members of one family we have for one another. Christ's Object Lessons, pg 195, 196.
In the World
Now let’s look at what it means to bear with the weak who are found in the world. Do we have anything in Scripture from which we can gain understanding? Here is a list I’ve put together from which I’ll give a practical example.
Genesis 19:2-3. And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night. And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.
Deuteronomy 10:18-19. He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Job 31:32. The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveler.
Leviticus 19:34. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
How else can we bear with the infirmities of those in the world? Let me relate a true story I heard not long ago.
A pastor was doing a series of meetings in a remote part of Canada in a town where there were more bears than people. On the last night he was to be there, and while he was preaching, a mountain of a man walks in and sits down. The pastor looks at the man and can tell something isn’t right. He said he never saw anyone who looked so visibly down and dejected.
Right then and there in the middle of his sermon he changed topics and started preaching the gospel and Bible promises as hard as he could. Afterwards he introduced himself to this giant of man, and found out he had just come from the doctor who had told him he had three weeks to live.
He told the pastor he had always been an outdoor guy living in the wilderness and was never afraid of anything. Now he was terrified to die. He said he had heard of Jesus but didn’t know anything about Him. Then the pastor told him "I’m supposed to fly out tonight but I’m going to cancel my flight and I will stay here until you find Christ as your personal Savior or you die a lost man."
My friends, that is what it means to bear with the infirmities of those in the world and who are looking for someone to help them. Mrs. White puts it this way in the book Counsels to the Church:
As His representatives among men, Christ does not choose angels who have never fallen, but human beings, men of like passions with those they seek to save. . . .
Having been in peril themselves, they are acquainted with the dangers and difficulties of the way, and for this reason are called to reach out for others in like peril. There are souls perplexed with doubt, burdened with infirmities, weak in faith, and unable to grasp the Unseen; but a friend whom they can see, coming to them in Christ's stead, can be a connecting link to fasten their trembling faith upon Christ.
We are to be laborers together with the heavenly angels in presenting Jesus to the world. Page 289.
Now doing kind things for others even strangers is easy to do if they are nice and respectful, but what if they are rude and downright mean and go out of their way to make your life hard?
Exodus 23:3-4. Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause. If thou meet thine enemy's ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.
Proverbs 25:21-22. If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.
1 Thessalonians 5:15. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Matthew 5:44. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Let me add to that. If someone takes your sweater we are to give them our coat also, walk the extra mile and give them our other cheek to hit after they’ve already hit us once. Could you like Stephen, love and pray for your enemies while they are stoning you? Can you, like Christ while on the cross, take into consideration that those rough soldiers don’t really understand what they are doing?
Now let me take you back to a question that I asked in the beginning; Do you, and are you, practicing what the strong in Christ do. In other words, are you patient and loving to those who don’t understand as much as you do? Are you willing to give of yourself and time to help your brother in Christ or even a complete stranger?
If not, if you look at the standard and think that it’s too high and you can’t reach it, you would be correct, if you tried doing this on your own. If you tried this on your own you might be able to grit your teeth and do your “duty,” but there will come a time when without Christ you’ll respond in an unloving manner.
So what is the solution? It’s Christ! Make a full and total surrender to Him and through His strength you can do all that He asks of you. When you have Christ, you have His patience and strength. How do I know? Because God’s Word tell us so. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22,23.
When God’s Spirit is abiding in us we will have all the fruit which includes peace, gentleness, and patience. Let no one say, I cannot remedy my defects of character. If you come to this decision, you will certainly fail of obtaining everlasting life. The impossibility lies in your own will. If you will not, then you can not overcome. Christ's Object Lessons, pg 331.
I’m sure you’ll remember these promises: "Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." Mark 9:23. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13.
Let me leave you with this thought. Before it is forever too late, study the Scriptures with prayer. Let all church-members cease to speak the language of condemnation, and begin to work intelligently to obtain the pearl of great price,--the meekness and lowliness of Him who took humanity upon Himself that human beings might be partakers of the divine nature. Let there be heard no unkind comments about others. Let each one remember that his own case needs to be cured by a practice of the precepts found in the Word of God. Let no soul exalt himself or herself. Let not one word be spoken to disparage others. Seek instead to speak words that will bring courage and hope to those who are perishing out of Christ. Australasian Union Conference Record, March 11, 1907.
