THE BURDEN OF THE STRONG

Romans 15:1-3 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not Himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

Generally we think of one being infirm as being feeble, frail, and not physically strong. One also thinks of an infirmity as a physical defect that hinders the good use of arms and legs; it is also considered to be an ailment or a debilitating disease. These descriptions are especially true with aged persons. Certainly, all that are physically able, are obligated to do everything possible to help those that are infirmed. However, the previous chapter of this epistle deals the relationship that is to exist between weak Christians, and those that are strong. Therefore, the lesson text is more concerned about Christian responsibilities toward those that are spiritually infirm; those that are weak in faith; those that are newborn Christians that need the sincere milk of the word (of God) in order to properly grow in knowledge and truth (1 Peter 2:2).

Notice how Paul began the thoughts contained in Romans, chapter 14. He wrote, Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations (Vs. 1). Those strong in faith and knowledge are not to shun or avoid those that are weaker, but are to receive them - accept them with both open minds and open arms. In order to reach and teach God's word to the weak, we must never exhibit a "holier than thou" attitude. Make them feel comfortable in your presence by speaking to them in terms that are as elementary as needed give godly instruction. This is exactly the characteristic Paul taught by example when he wrote to the church at Corinth. He said, To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some (1 Cor. 9:22). It is the spirit of meekness by which mature Christians are able restore fellow Christians, that have been overtaken in a fault, and by doing so, are able to bear ...one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (See Gal. 6:1-2).

For stronger Christians to bear up, support, and lift brethren that are weak in faith, Paul said it is to be done only for the benefit of those that need to be strengthened. It is never to be done to please ourselves. Mature members of the church of Christ are never to parade their superior spiritual knowledge before others in order to gratify their own egos; to seek their approval, praise, or admiration. To be acceptable in the sight of God, Christians must become servants of all. To do good works as God's servants, is to perform Christian duties. That is, to do what is required of a servant, is not praiseworthy, it is merely accomplishing what God expects from a Christian, which is to teach the gospel message of eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. This is the duty of every Christian servant. And how is it accomplished? Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification - and not to please ourselves.

In this spiritual duty, our Savior is to be our example. For even Christ pleased not Himself. There is no better way to "bring home" a message from inspired writers of the gospel than to use Jesus, Himself, as an example for us to follow. His God-given mission on earth was accomplished as a servant through self-denial and sacrifice. Jesus, the Son of God, was sent to earth to be offered, once and for all time, as the atonement for the sins of the world, and, that through baptism into his body, all mankind can be reconciled to God, have their sins forgiven, and enjoy the hope of eternal salvation. This work, assigned by God, was accomplished. To the pain, trials, and afflictions He suffered in completing His mission, He willingly submitted, without seeking personal comfort, and without any regard for His physical life. He suffered the severest, most wicked, death that could be administered to a human being by the hands of Roman officials as encouraged by radical Jews - extreme Zionists that reproachfully denied God's word through His inspired prophets, and, thus, denied the coming of the Messiah.

This reproach of God by the Jewish nation, was willingly born by His Son, Jesus Christ. Bearing God's burden was required in order to bring salvation to the world. For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me (John 6:38). This is the example Jesus left Christians: to be more than willing to bear the burden of Christ that others may be saved. To proclaim the word of God to all mankind, We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak.