Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. Romans 15:2
There are times when it is difficult for some Christians to be loving and tolerant towards those who do not behave according to their expectations. They tend to feel irritated by immature comments, which are often the result of opinions representing part of their own pasts, to be reminded of which is annoying and bothersome to them. So they try to build up the weakest believers to a higher level of conscience and spiritual coherence, forgetting that it took them years to develop those qualities. And so the new believer is overwhelmed by these many unrealistic demands. The mature believer may end up being more of an obstacle than a source of strength. If you are strong in the Lord, you have a great responsibility towards your weaker brothers and sisters in Christ. Accept them and strengthen them so that they respond to God with gratitude. But avoid helping them in any way which would overwhelm them. Support them, do not overwhelm them!
Prayer: Lord, help us to be good friends to our younger brothers in Christ, and give us the wisdom and the patience to walk side by side with them as we grow in faith in you. Amen.
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