Paul tells the elders, "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'" (Acts 20:35).
Our world is broken and, thus, the weak and hurting are everywhere. But we often fail to see them. They may look capable, speak with confidence, or display outer strength. They may be contentious or annoying. They may even be outwardly hurting, but we simply fail to see.
We had a young friend who seemed self-assured, confident, and outwardly together. I fully accepted her apparent strength and assumed her need of help was low. But my wife saw through that. She recognized this woman’s discontent at a deep level and was able to speak to it. This opened up a door for prayer and introduction to a God who loves, forgives, and leads. This happened because my wife saw what I failed to.
Help the weak. Love the weak.
Too often we contend with the weak rather than help because we only hear their outer diatribes as they rail against a world that is ‘not right.’ Maybe I disagree fully with their ideas and maybe they come across with pride and righteous certitude that raises my ire. But I try to remind myself that love is more than truthful words, otherwise, it is just a noisy clamor that is heard in the name of Christ all too often.
See the weak. Help the weak. Love the weak.
Early believers were known as those unusual people who would spend time in leper colonies helping the weak. Perhaps the church (ekklesia) will find a needed re-birth when our motivation reflects the same love and compassion toward the weak and we respond to the deep human needs that surround us.
We see wonderful growth in the church in Africa where the weak are easy to identify. More importantly, those who are reaching out are committed to helping and loving the weak and vulnerable. Yes, they are easy to see, but the workers also respond with love and care for the sufferers. This results in movements of Jesus-followers reaching and discipling Jesus-followers.
Help the weak. Love the weak.
Our world is broken. And people are broken. Perhaps when we begin to see this and respond with the one virtue we are to be known for we will see a new type of ‘church’ (ekklesia) spontaneously arise where we live, move, and work: simple Jesus-followers known for their love.
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