The Strong Support

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. (Romans 15:1)

Who do you know that is struggling? Do you notice the hurts and needs around you? In Romans 15:1, Paul urged believers to prioritize the needs of those who were weaker or struggling over their own desires and comforts.

He told us that as we grow in spiritual strength, we are also called to bear the burdens of others, to empathize with their challenges, and to help where we can. We do not find our true strength in our physical or mental abilities, but in following Jesus’ example of uplifting others who are in need of salvation, deliverance, healing, or peace.

According to Paul, the ones who possess the power and desire to assist others, rather than serving themselves selfishly, are the strongest among us. Selflessness reflects the heart of Jesus, who demonstrated more strength than any man who ever walked this earth. Jesus, in His strength, became weak so we could be strong. He bore our infirmities, our sins, and our sorrows on the cross and showed true strength in love.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to practice selfless strength. It may be in leading someone to the Lord, laying hands on the sick, helping a neighbor, supporting a friend in a crisis, or helping a family member when a need arises in their own lives.

Regardless of how, the most important thing is that we accept this call to live out our faith in selfless strength. Our duty is to identify opportunities to display God's love and support powerfully toward the world around us.

Practical Application

How can you help someone who is struggling this week? Find opportunities to uplift others. You can be strong in the Lord and the power of His might(Ephesians 6:10) when they are weak.

1 Thessalonians 5:14; 1 Corinthians 4:10

All in Faith

Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. (Romans 14:22-23)

Paul wrote a powerful question to the Christians in Rome: “Do you have faith?” It’s an important question we must all ask ourselves. “Do I really have faith, or am I simply ‘spiritual’ or ‘churchy’?”

To truly answer the question, we must first define faith.

Faith comes from the Greek word pistis and represents an absolute trust in God. Faith isn’t just a feeling that we have or a conviction that we hold to; it is an unwavering assurance that God is guiding, directing, and involved in our lives. It’s the understanding that when we choose to live according to His Word and listen to His voice, we know His goodness and mercy will follow.

Paul emphasized the happiness of those who do not condemn themselves. This happiness isn't rooted in the lack of difficulty, trials, or doubts, but in the assurance that our decisions, made in faith, are pleasing to God. It's a happiness that transcends circumstances, a joy grounded knowing that we walk in His will.

Paul also addressed those who doubt. He reminded us that acting without faith leads to condemnation. When we allow doubt to guide our actions, we decide to act against our spirit.

The crux of the matter here was faith. Paul was saying whatever we do, whether it's eating, working, or making choices, should be done in faith. Faith is our compass, guiding us through life’s difficulties and complexities. Faith in God and faith in God’s Word are the only things that can truly allow us to live in confident happiness before God.

Practical Application

When you need to make small or large decisions, seek God's guidance in His Word and trust in His wisdom. In doing so, you can experience the happiness that comes from living a life that aligns with His will.

1 John 3:21; Acts 24:16

The Power of Our Choices

For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. (Romans 14:20-21)

In Romans 14:20-21, Paul wrote to Roman Christians imploring them to not just think about their actions, but also about the impact their actions had on others. This message is not limited to dietary restrictions or what one can or cannot eat. It is a message about living in compassion toward those God has placed along our path.

Paul was teaching us about what it means to really have love in action. Our job is not just to protect our own faith, but also to watch over the spiritual well-being of those around us. Our liberty as New Testament believers, as Paul reminded us, should not become a stumbling block for others. Instead, it should reflect the love and mercy of Christ.

Again, this goes well beyond our diet. Paul was really referring to our lifestyle. Do our words, our actions and our decisions help lead people closer to Jesus or push them further away?

As we mature in our faith, we understand that our faith is not simply for personal growth, but so God can use us to help develop others through depositing love and faith into them.

We should live as people who choose love, who choose faith, who choose mercy as we interact with those around us. Our freedom in Christ is meant to help us love others more and trust the Holy Spirit to teach them as we share the truth of God’s Word in love.

Practical Application

Sometimes the way to show your faith toward someone else isn’t to debate with them or talk down to them about where their faith is. Many times, it means asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to you how to show compassion and meet them at their level of revelation.

Philippians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 8:13