Issue 9 - Day 2

Romans 15

Romans 15:1-2
1)  We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
2)  Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

Are you strong or weak? You may think yourself weak, but the bible says you are strong. In fact the weaker we are in ourselves, the stronger we are by the power of God. Therefore, as you are most definitely strong as far as God is concerned then these verses apply to you.

The challenge then is, how do you act towards those who appear weak, and what is your attitude to those around you? We are told to bear the infirmities of the weak! A few years ago Sara was suffering rather badly to the degree that she was unable to walk from our house to the church. We borrowed a wheel chair, and I could have left her to roll herself along. Had I not insisted she would have tried to do it herself! Instead I took her infirmity upon myself and pushed that wheelchair, loaded up with Sara and all our kids. It hard work but fun working together as a family. Bearing the infirmities of the weak means taking the stress and work on yourself so that they suffer less. We are a body, the church, and are told that where one suffers we all suffer. This is only true if we put into practice these verses.

The second challenge was in our attitudes. When you help others, why do you do it? It is not to make yourself look good, or to earn brownie points with God, but should be for their good, and to encourage them.

Ask God to give you the gift of encouragement. Seek out opportunity to encourage others. Be alert to see where help is needed, and be the first to jump in when you see another struggling.