We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors 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.”
Romans 15:1-3 NIV
Do you consider yourself to be a mature believer? If so, then this message is for you. We who are stronger or more mature in the faith have a responsibility to those who are not. Paul tells us to bear with the failings of the weak. In the context of this passage, it is clear that this is more than just putting up with the immature. Instead, it is a call to come alongside them. To help them to grow toward maturity.
Putting someone else’s interests ahead of my own can be hard. It means I do not get to do everything I want. I may have to avoid certain activities that I enjoy, but that would cause a weaker brother or sister to stumble (Rom. 14:21). Or it may be that I choose to invest more of my time in the lives of weaker believers.
Why should I have that concern for them? Paul gives us two reasons. First, our investment in their lives helps build them up, helping them to grow toward maturity. That, in turn, helps to build up the body of Christ. And that is something that I should always strive to do.
The second reason he gives is because of the example Jesus set. He did not have to go to the cross. In fact, he did not want to (Matt. 26:39). But he did. And he did it for me. Can I do any less than follow his example?
Rather than look down on, or be critical of, those you see as less mature in the faith than you, come alongside them. Help them to grow in their faith. Be willing to be inconvenienced by them, to bear with the failings of the weak. And do it in love. Love for that other believer. Love for the Lord’s church. And love for the one who has saved both you and them.
