I know that I’ve met many who are “weak in the faith”. I also know that I probably haven’t made it easy for all of them to grow in their faith. But I recall a number of times when I was “weak in the faith” and how the wise people around me helped me out. Again and again I was encouraged to offer grace to those whose actions offended me. I was challenged to engage in honest inquiry and discussion rather than jumping to conclusions. My preconceived assumptions were exposed and tested by the words of scripture. Looking back I see that my faith was tested so that I would mature in my faith. Some believers did cast stumbling blocks in my path, but other believers were there to help me around them. I believe that I may be wrong regarding some of my stances in the faith, but I also know that in the vast majority of other areas there is neither a right or wrong stance. What matters in those cases where disagreements arise is how I respond to other believers. I’d like to say I can define who is “weak in the faith”. I know I don’t have a list to follow. But I’m not sure that Paul was focusing on the “weak” as he was addressing the needs of the individual to act with a mature and gracious nature.
It took me about 14 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart
No comments:
Post a Comment