WE HAVE AN OBLIGATION--Post #2 on Romans 15:1-2

Romans 15:1-2: 'We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.' 

As noted in the prior post--first and foremost--we must strive to be strong.  We must strive to be strong.  We do this by consistently reading God's Word and spending time talking with Him.  Consistently meaning on a daily basis.  Day in and day out.  Until it becomes a fruitful habit.  Until He becomes the joy of your life.

Why must we be strong?

As stated in Romans 15:

because we have an obligation to bear with the failing of the weak, and not to please ourselves.  Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.


Again, I looked at some definitions to gain a better understanding of what this verse is saying, highlighting those parts of the definitions that help me to better understand this verse.

OBLIGA'TION, n. [L. obligatio.]

1. The binding power of a vow, promise, oath or contract, or of law, civil, political or moral, independent of a promise; that which constitutes legal or moral duty, and which renders a person liable to coercion and punishment for neglecting it. The laws and commands of God impose on us an obligation to love him supremely, and our neighbor as ourselves. Every citizen is under an obligation to obey the laws of the state. Moral obligation binds men without promise or contract.

2. The binding force of civility, kindness or gratitude, when the performance of a duty cannot be enforced by law. Favors conferred impose on men an obligation to make suitable returns.

3. Any act by which a person becomes bound to do something to or for another, or to forbear something.

4. In law, a bond with a condition annexed and a penalty for non-fulfillment.

BEAR, v.t. pret.bore; pp. born,borne. [L. fero, pario, porto. The primary sense is to throw out, to bring forth, or in general, to thrust or drive along. ]

1. To support; to sustain; as, to bear a weight or burden.

2. To carry; to convey; to support and remove from place to place; as, "they bear him upon the shoulder;", "the eagle beareth them on her wings."

3. To wear; to bear as a mark of authority or distinction; as, to bear a sword, a badge, a name; to bear arms in a coat.

4. To keep afloat; as, the water bears a ship.

5. To support or sustain without sinking or yielding; to endure; as, a man can bear severe pain or calamity; or to sustain with proportionate strength, and without injury; as, a man may bear stronger food or drink.

WEAK, a. [G. The primary sense of the root is to yield, fail, give way, recede, or to be soft.]

1. Having little physical strength; feeble. Children are born weak; men are rendered weak by disease.

2. Infirm; not healthy; as a weak constitution.

3. Not able to bear a great weight; as a weak bridge; weak timber.

4. Not strong; not compact; easily broken; as a weak ship; a weak rope.

5. Not able to resist a violent attack; as a weak fortress.

6. Soft; pliant; not stiff.

7. Low; small; feeble; as a weak voice.

8. Feeble of mind; wanting spirit; wanting vigor of understanding; as a weak prince; a weak magistrate.

To think every thing disputable, si a proof of a weak mind and captious temper.

9. Not much impregnated with ingredients, or with things that excite action, or with stimulating and nourishing substances; as weak broth; weak tea; weak toddy; a weak solution; a weak decoction.

Not until I read the definition of 'obligation', did I realize the magnitude of this word.  I realized that God fully expects me--actually commands me--to actively grow consistently stronger in my faith so that He can work through me to accomplish His will in others.

As I read the definitions for 'bear' and 'weak', I immediately thought of some brothers and sisters in Christ who are presently very sick whom we have been petitioning the Lord on behalf.  This verse reminded me that I have an obligation to pray for these precious brothers and sisters who currently are in a weakened state.  Just as this definition states, I am to carry and support them, and bare their burden.  That this is one of the many purposes of the church--in seasons of sickness or difficulty, we are to bare one another's burdens.

We are also to bare up and help a weaker brother or sister who has fallen into temptation or sin.  One of the definitions for weak  stated, 'Not strong; easily broken; as a weak ship; a weak rope...Not able to resist a violent attack; as a weak fortress.'  When we see a fellow brother or sister broken down by sin, we have an obligation to step in and get involved, to help them back up.  Yes, it might be messy and uncomfortable.  Yes, the easier thing would be to turn our head, but God says we 'have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves...but to please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.'

Lastly, we are to carry and support our 'weaker' brothers and sisters who are new in the faith.  We are to encourage and teach them how to strive...how to strive to be strong.  Thinking back to the first couple of years after surrendering my life to Christ, I immediately remember some very key people God put in my life to shepherd me.  They discipled me, explaining to me the importance of reading the Bible.  They taught me how to pray.  Without them, I would have never grown stronger in my relationship with Christ.

In 2013, may I aim to grow stronger spiritually, being ever mindful of the people God places around me.  I pray I will be a Phil. 2:3 Christian, 'doing nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than myself.'