Bear with the weak
Paul on the duty of the strong
We who are strong, Paul writes, ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. The strong have an obligation to the weak — not to despise their limitations, not to demand they keep up, but to bear with them, carrying their failings patiently. And explicitly, not to please ourselves: the strong are to use their strength for the weak's sake, not their own comfort.
Strength creates responsibility. The capable, gifted, resilient leader can easily grow impatient with those who are weaker — slower, more fearful, more prone to stumble. Paul says strength is given precisely to bear with them. This is not lowering all standards to the weakest; it is patience that does not please itself at the weak's expense, that carries their failings rather than resenting them. The mark of true strength is not how it dominates the weak but how it bears with them.
“In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak.”
— Paul, to the Ephesian elders — Acts 20:35 (WEB)
Strength creates responsibility toward the weak. It is given to bear with their failings patiently, not to please yourself at their expense.
“Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”
Paul turns strength into an obligation to the weak. A leader formed here uses his capability to carry others rather than resent them. The inner work is patience that does not please itself.
Bear patiently with the failings of those weaker, slower, or more fearful. Use your strength for their sake, not your own comfort. Distinguish bearing with the weak from lowering every standard.
Strong leaders grow impatient with the weak and demand everyone keep up. The blind spot is using strength to please themselves rather than to carry others.
Notice whose weakness you are growing impatient with. This week, deliberately bear with them and use your strength for their good.
The capable, resilient leader easily grows impatient with those who are weaker — slower, more fearful, more prone to stumble. Paul says strength is given precisely to bear with them.
With whose failings are you growing impatient, when your strength is meant to bear with them?