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We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.<\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The strong in faith are obligated to help the weaker Christian.<\/p>\n The word translated \u201cstrong<\/span>\u201d is dunatos<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cpowerful or capable.\u201d It refers to those who have the ability or authority to do something.<\/p>\n \u201cOught<\/span>\u201d is from the Greek verb opheil\u014d<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto be indebted.\u201d Metaphorically, it means \u201cto be bound or obligated to perform a duty.\u201d The problem with the English word \u201cought\u201d is that it is thought of as \u201cwe probably should.\u201d The meaning of opheil\u014d<\/em><\/span>, however, is much stronger than that. It is not simply a suggestion, but an obligation.<\/p>\n The word \u201cbear<\/span>\u201d is the translation of the verb bastadz\u014d<\/em><\/span>, which means \u201cto raise up and put on a pedestal.\u201d By application it means \u201cto lift up and provide support.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cScruples<\/span>\u201d is translated from the Greek word asthen\u0113ma<\/em><\/span>, which is from the same root as the verb asthene\u014d<\/span>,<\/em> meaning \u201cto be without strength.\u201d The noun form in the current verse refers to \u201cthe results of being weak.<\/em>\u201d As the Complete Word Study Dictionary<\/em> says, \u201cit refers to the scruples which arise by being weak in the faith.<\/em>\u201d The problem with this definition is that most of us don\u2019t know what the word \u201cscruples\u201d really means. The American Heritage\u00ae Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition<\/em> says that the word \u201cscruple\u201d means, \u201cAn uneasy feeling arising from conscience or principle that tends to hinder action.\u201d<\/p>\n In talking about the scruples of the weak, Paul is referring to the uneasy feelings that those who are weak in faith have when they are presented with a spiritual decision that is beyond their maturity level. Because they are weak in faith, they don\u2019t know what the proper response should be. In a similar situation, mature Christians will tend to err on the conservative side and not do that which they aren\u2019t sure about (as Paul taught in the previous chapter). Those who are weak in the faith, however, are likely to go ahead and do that thing which they aren\u2019t certain about because they don\u2019t know any better.<\/p>\n Those of us who are more mature in our Christian faith should not insist that our weaker brother or sister do something that we know is appropriate and acceptable if they are not convinced it is. Instead, we should, for conscience sake, not do ourselves what our weaker brother thinks is inappropriate or unacceptable. In other words, we should bow our will to theirs instead of pleasing ourselves. It goes back to what Paul said in the previous chapter:<\/p>\n It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything<\/em><\/span> by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. <\/span>(Romans 14:21<\/strong><\/span>)<\/em><\/p>\n If we always have the highest good of our brother or sister in view, then we will always be doing the right thing.<\/p>\n The Christian who is young in the faith often looks to those who are older in the faith to develop his or her walk with the Lord. What kind of an example are you to Christian brothers and sisters around you? Are you lifting them up, or are you dragging them down?<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\nTruth to Learn<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Behind the Words<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Meaning Explained<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Application<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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