Words to the Weak

Those who are strong in the faith must not despise the weak. So Paul taught us in the passage we examined Friday. He did not supply a specific reason for commanding such behavior, but he really did not need to—loving acceptance of one’s brothers and sisters in Christ is a basic Christian tenet. But Paul also commanded those who are weak not to judge the strong. And in today’s passage he reinforces this command with two arguments.

First, the weak must not judge the strong because God has received them. Of course, the strong also may need to be reminded from time to time that God has received the weak. But the challenge of acceptance may be greater for one who is weak, who simply cannot see how God could tolerate the behavior of his stronger brother or sister. The key truth that must be kept in view is that behavior has nothing to do with acceptance by God. “The Christian is accepted because of Christ’s death on his or her behalf and the gift of Christ’s righteousness to such a one by God,” Dr. James M. Boice writes.

In other words, the basis of his or her acceptance is not works. If you are making the other person’s acceptance (by you or, as your own conduct implies, by God) depend on what he or she is doing, you are operating on the basis of salvation by works and are denying the Gospel. You do not have to agree that everything the other person is doing is right. . . [But] you have to accept the person as a believer with whom you must be in fellowship, because God has Himself accepted him, just as He has accepted you.

Second, the strong do not answer to the weak but to God. That is why Paul asks, “Who are you to judge another’s servant?” The only possible answer is “Nobody,” especially when God is the other servant’s master. God can and does cause one who is truly His to stand fast and continue in the faith, even though he may engage in behaviors that make those who are weak wonder about his salvation. These behaviors may be violations of God’s law, but if the strong person is a true believer, Christ already has atoned for them. On the other hand, the behaviors may have to do with “doubtful things,” such as eating certain foods. In that case, the weak one is improperly judging his brother, and he ought to repent and never so judge another again.