Flexing For Others!

Muscles are made stronger and more useful through regular exercise. Idleness causes the muscles to shrink and strength to depart. The same is true with regard to exercising godliness in daily life. Through continuing to fulfill God's purposes we grow stronger spiritually and can then be of greater help to those around us. Someone has said, "A good exercise for the heart is bending down and helping another up." [original source unknown]

In Paul's letter to the church at Rome he stated. . .
"(1) We who are STRONG HAVE AN OBLIGATION to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. (2) Let each of us please his neighbor FOR HIS GOOD, to BUILD HIM UP." ( Romans 15:1-2 ESV)

When someone is physically strong, they often like to show off their muscles. To be spiritually strong means more is required of us. The Greek word translated "OBLIGATION" is "opheilo" and refers to owing or being indebted and is indicative of something that is of necessity to be done. The exercising of such an attitude takes into consideration not ourselves, but OTHER'S GOOD; that of which they are in need. It considers their failings in light of weakness and seeks to BUILD THEM UP rather than put them down.

In Paul's first letter to the church at Thessalonica, he exhorted. . .
"And we urge you, brothers, ADMONISH THE IDLE, ENCOURAGE THE FAINTHEARTED, HELP THE WEAK, BE PATIENT WITH THEM ALL." ( 1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV)

Different situations call for different approaches, but in each there is the need for patience. May the "flexing" of our spiritual strength not be the arrogance of spiritual superiority, but rather LOVING WILLINGNESS TO LIFT UP others who may be struggling. In this way we together can grow stronger in Christ. Whatever spiritual strength we possess, let it be used to the glory of God and the greater good of those around us.

Have a great day WITH A FIT HEART FOR GODLY LIVING!
Carl

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