HH, Sir Godfrey Gregg D.Div
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. Romans 15:1-2
There’s no one like a fellow Christian to drive you completely nuts. It’s funny how people labour under the assumption that a bunch of former sinners struggling daily with the battle of the flesh are supposed to have it together all the time. When they don’t, it feels even worse than if an unbeliever had done the exact same thing. “I’d expect that from a pagan-they don’t know any better! But you, brother, are supposed to be the spitting image of Christ at all times!” It’s an unrealistic expectation.
Aside from the obvious need to extend forgiveness and grace, We need to recognize that different believers are at different points in their walk with Christ, with differing levels of spiritual maturity. Jesus told you to love one another (John 13:34) so that everyone would know that you are His. Quick, harsh, c¥nical judgment inside the church is unattractive to those outside. They can get that anywhere.
But if they see you building others up, gently correcting mistakes, offering support through hardships, patiently praying with and for others, and even enjoying others’ company, that’s going to look different, both inside the body of Christ and out.
