"Bear"

"We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves." Romans 15:1

The word "bear" has many different definitions and applications. I want to look at two this morning in regard to our dealings with others- especially those in the body of Christ.

1) Bear- to bear with; be patient or forbearing with. We are all at different levels, or stages, in our walk with the Lord. Some of us have been walking with the Lord longer than others. Some are new babes in Christ. Not all of us are strong in the faith, some are weak. Some of us walk in victory in certain areas, but seem to fall in others. Therefore, we need to learn to be patient with one another; remembering where they are along the way; and remembering where we are too, and where we have come from. "Bear with the infirmities of the weak."

2) Bear- to hold up; to support. Regardless of where we may be in our walk with the Lord, there are times when we all get weary. Moses was a mighty man of God, but when the battle continued to rage his arms got tired. Someone needed to help "bear" his burden and give him support. Like Moses, we all need help no matter where we are in our walk with the Lord. We are to bear the infirmities of the weak. We are to reach out and help our brothers and sisters. We are to encourage them to keep running the race that is set before them. We need to lift up their hands when they hang down. "Bear, hold up and support, the weak."

"And not to please ourselves". Each one of us are running a race and we have an individual responsibility to keep running toward the prize. You can't run this race for me and I can't run it for you. But this race isn't just about "me", it's about "us". If I am strong then I need to help you in your weakness, and vice versa. In other words, it is not just about me reaching the finish line, but it's about helping others to reach it too.

Have a great day. Be patient with and support one another so that we all might reach the goal.