January 2, 2009

Bearing for Good

“We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please [his] neighbor for [his] good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me." For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (Romans 15:1-4 NKJV)

Dealing with the same subject, the use of liberties as they relate to weaker brothers, Paul gives the reason why the stronger should bear up the weaker. He says the reason is for their good, for their edification.

The weaker brother here is the one whose conscience is still in bondage because of ignorance. They simply don’t know the freedom they have in Christ. This is an immature Christian whose faith is weak.

Now, to understand how we are to apply this passage, we must focus on the goal, which is to help the weaker brother. If we practice our liberties in front of a weak brother, it could cause him to stumble (See Yesterday’s Devotion). However, to leave him in ignorance is not helpful for him either.

In addition, there are those who are really not weak in faith as in this context, but are in sin living like Pharisees who have no freedom at all. To cater to these misguided souls is not good for them either.

The Ideal that Paul is trying to teach us is this. Don’t seek our own pleasures at the expense of others. He uses Christ as an example of this kind of sacrificial living.

When we come across weaker brothers, we are not to leave them in ignorance, but to teach them all things that Christ commanded. To Practice your liberties in front of them while trying to teach them is not a good methodology. However, showing them love by not practicing and patiently instructing them in the Word is.

I am not sure what the best methodology to use on the Pharisees is. Jesus was very direct and sometimes harsh with them. It seems to cater to their sinful behavior is not good for them. Take this example:

At that time Jesus went through the grain-fields on the Sabbath. And His disciples were hungry, and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. And when the Pharisees saw [it], they said to Him, "Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!" But He said to them, "Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: "how he entered the house of God and ate the showbread which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests? (Matthew 12:1-4 NKJV)

Jesus does not tell the disciples to stop doing what they are doing. Instead, He instructs the Pharisees about their misunderstanding. It might be best to continue practicing your liberties when confronted by a self-righteous Pharisee.

Certainly, we need a good deal of discernment in this area. Who is struggling, what is their motive, how can you grow them best? These are some of the questions that need to be answered. The overarching rule of course is having their good in mind and not your own. Amen.