Learning to Care

Romans 15:1-6 Cain’s age-old question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” is a major theme, particularly in the New Testament. If we mean by the question, are we to control our brother’s life? The answer is a definite no. Are we to be concerned about his needs? The loud and clear message of Jesus is yes. He sets the example, He shows us how. In our Scripture this morning, verse 1 tells us that, “we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak...". The ones who are “strong” are strong in their moral character. They are ones that do right, not for fear of punishment, but as they live in such a way, they feel good about themselves and good about their relationship with God. To bear with the failings of the weak (those weaker in their moral character) does not mean that we condone or encourage immorality. The verse is not talking about those on the outside who are malicious in their immorality. The emphasis here is on those who are struggling in their new-found faith. They, as a person are far more important than the “milk they spill". The goal is to help them to grow in their relationship with Christ and to feel good about that relationship. To do right simply because one has memorized a list of “do’s and don’ts” makes that person not a lot different from a computer. Computers are great tools on the desk, but people need to learn to respond as a result of their relationships, not from a list. Paul says that our motivation needs to be, to seek to please our neighbor with a view to building him up for his good. We generally have no trouble finding a person’s buttons that tear him down. What about finding the buttons that will bring out the best that they have, the good, positive and godly part of their character. Provide lots of encouragement and good examples. Never forget the power of intercessory prayer.