What the Weak Wish the Strong Knew Part 1

(Interesting how these chapters parallel life and are exactly what I need at the time. God's Word is cool that way, active and alive!)

Read Romans 14:1-12
Theme: Christian relationships and attitudes.
Title in NIV: Do not be critical of a weaker brother.

First, whatever category you find yourself in, Strong or Weak, God loves you and accepts you and has given his Son for you.

Let me quote Romans 12:3, “…in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” And I want to remind you that “To one he gave 5 talents of money, to another 2 talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability.” Matthew 25:15. In a previous post I wrote that it seems like God gives different amounts of faith to people. I don’t understand that concept, but I do believe God allows our faith to increase if we desire that and work toward that goal.

Romans 14:1 says, “Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.” So, how do we react when we encounter someone with weak faith? I believe we encounter them everywhere, even in church. We must accept them.

Let’s compare and contrast the Word. Strong faith, vs 2 & 5 says, can eat everything and considers every day alike. Weak faith eats only vegetable and considers one day more sacred than another.

If we were to compare and contrast present day situations, I would be making a list of what vs. 1 says are 'disputable matters.' Such things as clapping in service, raising hands, music in worship, watching Disney movies etc.etc.etc. These are things that the bible does not have commandments for. If something does not have a 'thou shalt not...' in the bible, I believe it can be between you and God. Some will choose one way and some will choose another and both are right with God.

If you and your brother and sisters think differently about issues, that just means you interpret scripture differently and have a different relationship with the Lord. What does scripture say? Accept each other. Do not assume I have interpreted scripture wrong and pressure me to do it your way. You should accept me and I should accept you. Vs. 5 says, “Each man should be fully convinced in his own mind.” He who does what he does, does so to the Lord. The one who does not do what another does because he does not think it benefits him, does not do it… for the Lord, too! We both have the some motivation…to please the Lord and have a relationship with Him.

Vs. 7 makes me think even deeper about my actions. “For none of us lives to himself alone…” It makes me realize that everyone sees my action, strong Christians and weak Christians alike. I am an example to everyone who sees me. What is the impression people have of me? Is it “She made me feel so welcome and comfortable?” or is it, “I felt uncomfortable because she pursued her rights in front of me?” The former I pray!! I need to consider others above myself (Phil 2:3).

As an example, when people with kids come over to my house, I am careful not to watch TV or movies they do not approve. I take into consideration their beliefs and do not force mine upon them. We are both still Christians walking with the Lord if we disagree.

This attitude, I believe, can only be carried out by the 'strong-in-faith' Christian. Let me explain. The strong in faith can easily sacrifice (not) clapping in church, watching certain movies, etc. for a time when those of weak faith are present. The strong in faith can be compassionate toward people who have a problem with a situation. However, it does not go both ways!!!!! This is what the weak wish the strong knew: The weak person cannot indulge in those things just because a 'strong-in-faith' person around him is participating. The person of weak faith will feel like they are betraying the Lord. They will feel like they are sinning. People of strong faith should never make someone feel that way by what we approve of. Strong people should sacrifice for the weak person's conscience. Neither the weak nor the strong should try to sway the other toward their interpretation of scripture, but they should be able to sit beside one another at church and accept one another as Christ accepts us. (Remember, this is for disputable matters.)

1Cor 8:9-13 "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge [ we are no better if we do them and no worse if we do not do them]  and is emboldened to [participate]... So this weak brother for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin agianst your brother in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin agains Christ. Therefore, if what I [ do] causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never [do] it agian, so that I will not cause him to fall."

We all stand before God's judgement seat to give an account of himself. I can be confident in my relationship with the Lord and I will allow others to do the same. Accept others. Allow God to mold and transform the hearts and minds of others as HE sees fit. I'm sure when we get to heaven, God will give us all a 'tune-up' on the beliefs we hold.

Blessings to the weak and strong and may we all live together in unity because our focus in on the Lord.

Next week, this concept continues. Topic: What is a sin to me may not be a sin for someone else.