“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification” (Rom. 15:1-2 KJV).
You have a responsibility to pray for others. Wouldn’t you like somebody to get up and pray for you if your body was attacked? Well then, you must be somebody who gives to somebody else.
Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, makes this point strong. He shows you why you must pray for others. Sometimes people of faith are called “the name it and claim it” bunch.
What they are trying to say is that we are just a selfish bunch, only getting things for ourselves. Little do they know that our first quest is to pray for others. God wants you to have the desires of your heart, but you must first be a giver to others.
Real Christians are givers. They are givers of their time. They are givers of their prayer. They are givers of their energy. Remember the scripture says they will know that we are God’s children by our love. Our love is shown by giving to others of our time, prayer and energy.
In reference to Romans 15:1, the strong are those who are spiritually mature. The word “bear” in the Greek means to lift, with the idea of removing. The word “infirmity” is a scruple of consciousness.
We who are strong ought to remove the infirmities of the weak. Paul is not talking about a physical thing. He is saying there is something wrong with their belief system. Most people get in trouble because they have the wrong concept, idea or belief.
They don’t know how to take care of themselves physically. They don’t know how to be a good mother or father, wife or husband, for example.
They don’t know how, and because they are doing all the wrong things, they eventually put themselves in a position where it has an effect on their body. Lots of bad things happen to people because of a lack of knowledge.
There are many people out there walking the streets today who are not enjoying the blessings of the Lord, because they just don’t know. If they knew, honestly knew what you know, they would be born again and walking in God’s blessings.
So, be that person who gives your time in prayer for others. There are people all around you that you can take on as a prayer-project. Pray for them until they make that decision to receive Jesus as the Lord of their life. Pray that they get the knowledge necessary to bring them to a place of maturity in God.
Scripture References: Luke 6:38; 1 Thessalonians 5:17
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Keith Butler has been an ordained minister since 1974. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds diplomas from Canada Christian College and Rhema Bible Training Center.
He serves in ministry with the support of his lovely wife, Pastor Deborah L. Butler, and their children: Pastor Andre Butler (granddaughters Alexis, Angela, and April), Pastor MiChelle Ferguson and husband Pastor Lee (grandson Lucas), and Minister Kristina Jenkins and husband Pastor Joel (grandsons Andrew and Austin, and granddaughter Alyssa).