"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.” Romans 15:1-2 NIV
Wow! Not sure I've ever read this one before...and maybe for good reason as I don't think I would have been prepared to actually hear what it has to say. Too often I get frustrated with people for things like not showing common courtesy or respect, for being selfish, or for not taking responsibility for their actions, or my all-time favorite...doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result and then complaining about not getting the desired result. But this verse says it all right there about how I should be acting in those situations doesn't it!?! Bear it! Give grace! Do what's best for THEM, not YOU! Just because something is easy for me, doesn't mean it is easy for someone else or even makes sense to them. My weakness is not their weakness and my strength is not their strength. Common sense to one, can be not so common to another, as we all come from different walks of life. Who am I to judge? Cuz that's really what I'm doing when I point the finger at someone else. I think we all need to be reminded that people often act out of reaction, learned behavior, or their pain and it's really not their intention to hurt/frustrate/make things harder for you. It's not all about you people! Thus we can not assume that everyone knows to take time to stop and think about the big picture and how every action they do has an affect on the world around them. I think many times the problem just comes down to people don't know any other way or even worse, they might know it but not believe it to the point of living it (lost hope). But, and here's the catch, if we do know better....really who is it up to to change things? Us. We need to "show" that way to them...not just speak it. Actions always speak louder than words. And honestly, how can we expect grace from others for our weaknesses if we aren't willing to show grace and forgiveness for their weaknesses first? Just something to think about for today. When we know better, we can do better!
