Strong Bullies

The exploitation of the powerless by the powerful is commonplace today. Leaders seek dominance and control. Bullies oppress the weak. Those who are difficult or time-consuming are sidelined as much as possible. Many churches fail to notice the way in which people with particular scruples or opinions are treated by others. The issues may not be the same as Paul had to deal with in Rome, but the principles are the same. Brothers and sisters who are regarded as “weak” are not to be ridiculed or treated as second-class Christians. This is especially so if we think that their “weakness” stands in the way of anything that we want to advance as church policy. We need to ask ourselves whether the Gospel is really served by despising “weaker” members.

Paul sets out a principle that we are not to look out for our own interests, but for those of others, because that is exactly what Jesus did for us. As he so often does, Paul brings all his theology and pastoral advice back to the cross of Christ. Jesus allowed himself to be insulted and abused in order that we might be saved. Paul urges us to have the same sacrificial attitude towards our brothers and sisters who are “weak.” In v. 3 he quotes a verse from Psalm 69 as characteristic of the Scriptures that shaped the life of our Savior and have now become the pattern for our lives, also.

Bearing with the “weak” helps the Christian fellowship to glorify God. It is when the weak are loved by the strong that they begin to trust themselves and others in a new way so that they enter into a fresh freedom to worship Christ. Thus, the wonderful unity of the Trinity becomes incarnate in the local congregation and the world sees people who are really different.

Who are the “weak” in your congregation? How are you relating to them?