| Good Morning Everyone, Our theme for this month: “Resilience” Our Bible verse for today: “Now we who are strong have an obligation to bear the weaknesses of those without strength …” Romans 15:1 (CSB) Our thought for today: “Be strong for yourself, and for others too.” In Romans 15:1 the Apostle Paul was writing specifically about those who are strong in their faith. He taught that they must use their strong faith to help and assist those with weak faith. The passage is primarily about conscience and holiness and helping others to be strong spiritually. But the verse is also part of a larger Biblical principle that teaches those who are strong to use their strength on behalf of the weak and vulnerable. The physically strong are to protect those who are physically weak (Ps. 82:4; Pr 23:11); the powerful are to look out for the vulnerable (Ps 82:3; Pr 19:17; James 1:27); the wealthy are to help the poor (Pr 19:7; Pr 28:27; Galatians 2:10); etc. Those who have strength in an area are to use it to help those who don’t. Yesterday I told you the story about the body-builders who used their big muscles just to show-off, but not for any practical purpose that was actually of benefit to anyone. The lesson for resilient Christians is that we need to be careful not to do the same with whatever forms of strength the Lord has developed in us. If the Lord has helped you to be strong in some way, then be strong – for yourself but also for others. I have friends (a husband-and-wife team), who run the Bread of Life Rescue Mission in our town. Day-in and day-out, all day every day, they minister to the homeless and the hungry. They provide shelter, food, counseling, medical assistance, love, compassion, understanding, mercy, and Jesus to people who are at rock-bottom in life. What truly amazes me about Ralph and Connie is not only that they perform this ministry every single day, but that they do it with joy and enthusiasm, and they treat each individual with dignity and love. Ralph and Connie are very strong in their personal relationships with the Lord, but they use their great strength for the benefit of others. They’re not just strong for themselves, they’re strong for others too. I want to ask you this morning, “In what ways has God made you strong, and how can you use that strength to bless others?” Or, borrowing on our theme from yesterday, “What do you use all those muscles for?” Yes, be strong for yourself. But also, be strong for others too. God Bless, Pastor Jim |
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