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SUPPORT THE WEAK
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17
1 Thessalonians 5:14

1 John 3:16-18

 

“…support the weak,

be patient toward all men.”

 

SUPPORT THE WEAK
 
Every believer has the moral responsibility to show forth the love of Christ to the people around them. Particularly within the church, within the household of faith, we are called to do good, to help those who are weak. This is what Paul was advocating here in this final clause, that we must “support the weak, be patient toward all men.”
 
The weak here refers to those who are physically infirmed, of the elderly and sick, or of those who have particular physical needs or difficulties. These are often the marginalised and downtrodden in society, struggling to help themselves with little help to turn to.
 
Our duty is to support such people - to help them through their struggles and do what we can to alleviate their sufferings. As 1 John 3:17 warns, “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” If we say that we have the love of God, then surely, we would be more than willing to help a brother or sister-in-Christ in need.
 
Yet we must know that the support we render must be more than just physical. While aiding them materially, we must also have a focus on their spiritual needs. We would do well to point them to Christ and remind them of the goodness and providence of God. Our desire must be that their faith be strengthened through their trial, that they may be better witnesses for the Lord.
 
All these would require much patience. As we seek to show love in these practical ways, we must do so with much forbearance and longsuffering. It will require an investment of time, resources and energy. Yet we do so without expecting anything in return. We are but following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, who first supported us in our weakness, and now we go forth and do likewise.
 
THOUGHT: “Cups of cold water given in Jesus’ name, cups of cold water are never given in vain.”
PRAYER: Father, may Thou help me to have the patience and kindness to do all I can to help those in need.

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