Help the Weak
1 Thessalonians 5v14c
11th March 2022
We've been looking at:
1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we urge you, brothers, warn [admonish] those who are idle, encourage the timid,
help the weak, be patient with everyone.
We looked at Paul's instructions to warn [or admonish] those who are idle [or undisciplined] and to encourage the timid. Next, Paul urges us to help the weak.
When you look around, it's easy to see that some Christians are weak. Actually, though, all Christians are weak. Perhaps some are weaker than others, and we're weak in different ways. The Greek word here is asthenēs. As in English, it primarily means physical weakness but it's extended to mean all sorts of weakness.
We're not called to admonish the weak. We're called to help them. The Greek word here, antechomai, means "hold on to them", "cling to them", perhaps "put your arm round them".
Some of us are physically weak. When a disabled person comes to the door, open it for him. If somebody needs help with his wheelchair or mobility scooter, help him. If one of the men of the church can't open a ketchup bottle, don't laugh at him (well, not for too long). Open it for him.
Some of us are not as mentally sharp as we used to be. Some are just not a bright as others. If they need you to explain something, try to do so without being condescending or impatient.
Some of us are emotionally fragile. Something that doesn't bother other people can trigger really painful memories in them. Be sensitive. Don't say what's on your mind if it's going to hurt people unnecessarily. And some people just need a hug sometimes.
In Romans 14, Paul describes some Christians as having weak faith. He urges those whose faith is strong to bear with those whose faith is weak. In 1 Corinthians 8, he talks about Christians whose consciences are weak. He urges those whose conscience is strong to bear with those whose conscience is weak.
We help those with weak faith or weak conscience firstly by not behaving in front of them in ways they mistakenly believe to be improper. Secondly, sometimes we get an opportunity to gently explain our beliefs to them. The key is always to consider the other person's perspective, the other person's vulnerabilities, the other person's beliefs.
You know that in whatever areas you're weak, you need support and tolerance from others. Maybe you're a bit slow with your words, maybe you can't sing very well, maybe you're shy, maybe you're unwell, or old, or insecure, or injured, or unsure about what to do. Maybe you don't always say the right thing. Maybe your body language or facial expression is a bit more aggressive than you intend. Maybe you're a bit deaf. Or whatever. Well, everybody else is also weak in some areas. They need your support and tolerance.
And some people are morally weak. They haven't repented as much as they should. Actually that's all of us, isn't it? Bear with each other's sins, as they bear with yours. We're all weak.
1 Peter 4v8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.