ROMANS 15:1-7 OBLIGATIONS Those who heard this letter read and understood its teaching, were some of those who would be considered strong in faith along with the apostle Paul. There are obligations that go along with spiritual understanding. When one is "overtaken by a fault," the spiritual ones are to seek him out and recover him. When one is burdened with the cares of life and the deceitfulness of those around him, the strong one is to draw near and shoulder that load. It is not that we are to put up with the wrong doing of others or simply say, "we will pray for you," but move alongside that neighbor, and for his benefit do what is necessary for him.
The best example of how the strong meet the needs of the weak is our Lord Jesus Christ. The good He did for those who were hungry was simply that He fed them. Those who were outcast, He befriended. Those who were hurting, He eased their pain and provided healing. Those who had suffered losses and were emotionally distraught, He came alongside to comfort. What others should have borne; He bare. We learn in our hearts to have compassion as He had compassion for those who were "like sheep without a shepherd." Patience was personified in the Lord Jesus and it is expected that we wait for God to work with confident assurance and trust, knowing He is the One who truly fulfills the needs of others through us when we meet our obligations. When we read the scriptures, we are comforted even in times of distress, knowing that God has a plan He is bringing to pass. When we learn from Him, we find the blessing of "hope" that is based on His promises.
The written Word of God reveals the character of our God that never changes. He who was patient and encouraging in the past, is the same today and enables us to be of one mind toward each other, whether strong or weak. Even though there are differences of opinion, varying degrees of experience in the life of faith and differing gifts that may potentially cause disunity, all of the saints of God have one common purpose - we want to see God glorified and honored among His people and in the world. This desire motivates us to receive each other - not for what we get out of it, but to bring glory and praise to God. When we receive one another, it has a much higher objective than what makes me comfortable or what I want to get out of this fellowship myself. This is to be to the glory of God! What honor is given to Him when unified saints worship Him! What praise and worship in Spirit and in truth, rises to the throne of God when old and young, strong and weak, unite in holy convocation and with one voice glorify Him! What a blessed obligation!
Some may not know the tunes and words, for this is new to them. When the saints in unison join voices to sing a hymn Of worship and adoration and in fellowship, express A oneness that we all can share as we our Savior bless.
The words expressed in audible ways or in the silence of full hearts, Join together in one orderly paean of praise for blessings God imparts. Some words may be child-like when spoken, others more profound - But when they are put together as the Spirit guides, they are a grateful holy sound.
What one might say promotes a thought that is enhanced in silent prayer. It started as a germ of thought that is breathed out into heavenly air. Watching, listening angels, a holy God and saints who are already home - Hear and rejoice when the weak and strong gather and worship as one.
The glory and the honor, the praise and the holy respect, Given in reverential fear we never should neglect. One comes with orderly thoughts that are scripturally learned - Another with first-life emotions praises because of grace unearned.
When the weak and the strong, the old and the young, all the women and men - Who sharing in meeting needs, now come together to give worship and praise to Him - There is a rich fellowship because we've accepted each other in the Lord. Our oneness in Christ manifests itself, so that together we bring glory to God.
"Father, I thank Thee today for the blessings all of us Thy people have received from Thee when we support each other and build one another up in our holy faith. There are weak among us in our fellowship who through no fault of their own are losing their capacity for worship and service. May the strong among us not be satisfied to see them struggling, but meet their needs. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."