The Strong Shall Bear

The Strong Shall Bear

“We then who are strong ought to bear with the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” Rom. 15:1 (Norw.).

How often this law is transgressed! Usually the strong glory in their strength. Think if their love were so great that they used that strength to bear with the failings of the weak. Who has not transgressed here and been the cause of suffering and despair to someone for whom Christ died? It is so easy in all our knowledge and strength to disregard others and push them into the background so that we ourselves can be exalted. This is not the mind of Christ. He does not quench the smoking flax or crush the wavering reed. With justice and righteousness, He looks after those who are lowly and poor in spirit. It requires an abundance of the Spirit of wisdom, counsel, strength and understanding to bear with the failings of the weak. All true Christianity leads toward the goal of being able to bear burdens. This is what it means to become a pillar in the temple of God. Our strength is not measured by how many people we can chase away, but by how many we are able to bear—not just those who are easy to get along with, but also those who are stubborn. It is easy, of course, to serve those who are good, but it is not so easy to serve those who are obstinate and difficult. However, if we are to be a servant of all, we must also be able to serve them. If we are to have a part in one another, we must both serve the others and allow ourselves to be served. Bearing weaknesses means that we are merciful and compassionate. Through this compassion, little by little, people’s weaknesses will disappear, and they will become strong. Eventually they, too, will come to the point where they are able to bear others’ weaknesses. So do not position yourself as a judge of your brother’s weaknesses, but rather bear them to the Judge. This is what bearing, enduring and being patient means.

May the God of patience and comfort grant that you can be likeminded toward one another according to the example of Christ Jesus. Rom. 15:5.