Accept One Another: Devotions From Time of GraceSample

The Strong Bear With the Weak Everybody hates bullies. I would imagine that most men have painful memories of playground humiliations by older and bigger boys. I would imagine that most women have painful memories of being made to feel homely by a clique of prettier girls. While our memories of being bullied are strong, I doubt that we are even half aware of the pain we have inflicted on others. Our culture glorifies the strong and beautiful and has only contempt for the weak and plain. Does it surprise you to know that Satan tempts those who have their lives together spiritually to look down on weaker believers? I have never heard anyone admit to the sin of being a Pharisee, but the spirit of those arrogant, judgmental church people will never die. I know it’s in me, and it may live in you too. Here’s a better way: "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak" (Romans 15:1). That means in humility realizing that I'm no better than anybody else. That means I daily recognize my need for a Savior and am daily grateful to Christ. That means I can choose to be as patient with the strugglers around me as Christ has been with me. That means I can choose to extend a word of encouragement or a helping hand instead of a sneer. Who is in need of your mercy today?