The Mirror of the Word and other works by C.E. White can be purchased on her website, cewhitebooks.com or on Amazon.

“Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not just please ourselves.”

—Romans 15:1

Where are we strong, and how have we used that strength?

Some who think themselves strong use their outward righteousness as a reason to look down on others who are weak; they’re modern–day Pharisees.

We only need to look at how Jesus used his strength to see this is not the proper usage. Our strength is not for disdain, arrogance, selfishness, or forced subjugation, but for compassion, service, and sacrifice.

Do we use our strength to pursue our own desires, or do we use it to encourage and edify those around us?

Where our strengths are used to control, belittle, or please our flesh, they have become our downfalls. We have let strength lead us into pride.

Where our strengths are used to instruct, love, encourage, and serve, they’re being used in accordance with God’s plan. They have led us into Christlike humility. Any strength we have is not something we’re simply to rest and take comfort in; it’s to be used in service for others.

Bearing the weaknesses of others will often look like showing patience where none is deserved.

As we have patience with a toddler’s first steps, giving reassurance, support, example, and instruction, we come alongside the weaker believer. We teach them truth. We encourage them in righteousness. We help them stand back up and try again when they fall.

Our strength is for pulling others up, not pushing them down.

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