Helping the Weak

"And we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men" (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

Something that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonian saints but which applies to Christians of every generation came home to me this past week in a vivid way, beloved! Bev and I were out for one of our "2 hour" dates, the home health aide being with her mom, and were enjoying a monster burger at a local "burger joint." As we sat eating, the door just behind us opened and an elderly gentleman stepped inside, reaching quickly for the back of the chair next to me. With buckling legs and limbs that were clearly weak with age, he virtually collapsed into the chair and almost instantly struck up a conversation with us. After a very pleasant chat, it was time for us to return home and we were glad to leave him in the very capable hands of one of the employees who had rushed out to take his order and to make sure that he had everything he needed. It sure seemed too clear to us that he was well-known there! And as weak as he was, he was clearly trying to live his life to the fullest!

In the midst of the 14th verse the apostle reminded the Thessalonian believers to "help the weak." The Greek word in this context could very well include those who, like our new friend, are physically weak and frail. But the greater application is certainly to those who are spiritually weak. The Greek word asthenes means literally "strengthless" or "powerless" and as used by Paul referred to those who are weak in faith. These may be "weak" when it comes to trusting God or "weak" when it comes to handling obstacles in life. Still others are "weak" because of not knowing clearly God's will for their lives. Like our friend physically at the burger place, these are the spiritually frail.

So what can we do to help those who are weak? The word here translated "help" is a Greek verb which means literally "hold over against" and can be pictured visibly as one leaning against one who is weak in order to hold him up and keep him from falling. We can best "help the weak," then, by adapting our ministering to their particular need. For some the need is for encouragement to persevere, to trust God in spite of any and all opposition. For others it will be wise counsel, the tender hand that guides gently down the right path. For still others it will be unconditional love that lets them know that they are neither valueless nor forgotten.

To "help the weak" is obviously a ministry of tenderness, beloved, and it requires of every believer God's own love flowing in and through us to others. We should not need the kind of physical object lesson such as Bev and I experienced yesterday, but should always be on the lookout for the spiritually "weak" all about us. Where would each of us be in our walk with Christ had those who came alongside to help us not been there for us? Now it is our turn to reach out in God's love to those who need us, beloved. With Paul's challenge ringing in our hearts, let's help the weak!

Ron