Oct – 22 – WEAKNESS!

“Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things” (Romans 14:1).

Paul the Apostle points out a group of believers and counsels that though they are weak in faith, others should receive them. Why did the weakness in faith come in them? When both the love over Jesus Christ and the prayerful life are on the decrease, the shortfall in faith begins to attack. The tests and the sufferings make the faith stumble.

Some years ago, some terrorists hijacked an Israelite aircraft and landed it in Uganda. On landing, they arrested all the Jews among the passengers and released all others. One among the arrested men pleaded to the terrorists saying, “I am not a Jew. I am a German national. You can verify even my passport.” But the terrorists harshly said, “Your very appearance proves that you are a Jew. Do not try to cheat us.” Saying this, they tore his passport and threw it away.

Now, the man began to feel sad for the wrong thing committed. “Why did I tell a lie? Why did I deny that I am not a Jew? Am I not belonging to the chosen people of Jehovah God? Oh, I have denied both my family and God.” Saying this, he realised his weakness in faith and bitterly cried.

Look at Peter! He was also weak in faith. A situation arose when he had to deny Jesus to a servant maid. This question “You also were with Jesus of Galilee” from a servant maid brought fear and terror in him, removed the faith in him and made him weak.  In the same way, when you fall in sin, the guilty conscience pricks you and you become weak in faith. Once, Jesus and His disciples were travelling in a boat. Suddenly a cyclone blew on the sea and the boat in which they travelled was tossed here and there. It looked to get toppled at any moment. The terrible situation brought fear among the disciples and made them devoid of faith. It also made them weak. He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm (Mathew 8:26).   

Dear children of God, Jesus is one to bear all your weaknesses. He very well knows your weakness in faith, your inner weakness due to lack of prayer and the struggle faced by the spiritual life. That loving God is rebuking the wind and sea for your sake and enables you to attain comfort and peace. When God has delivered you from the weakness, is it not your duty to support those who are weak?  

To meditate: “For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete” (II Corinthians 13:9).