Harmonious Living
We should accept and patiently endure the infirmities of others in the church for Jesus' sake.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of harmonious living within the Christian community, acknowledging the various infirmities and challenges that members may present, such as excessive talking, instability in faith, or a lack of joy. He encourages believers to bear with one another lovingly, accepting these differences as crosses to carry for the sake of Christ. Tozer reminds us that enduring the imperfections of others will ultimately lead to spiritual growth and unity in the body of Christ, preparing us for a day when we will be perfected in Him.
Text
This brief list does not at all exhaust the number of infirmities we are likely to find in the Christian assembly. Who has not had to bear lovingly with a brother (or sister) who is afflicted with logorrhea, the incurable propensity to talk without pause or punctuation? That the talk is "religious" does not make it the less painful. And the unstable brother who spends his time either falling or getting up again, who is either leaping for joy or lying face down bewailing his hard lot--what church is there that does not have one or two such believers in it? Then there is the Mark Twain of the holy place, whose testimonies must always have their element of alleged humor; and to offset him somewhat is the man of heavy countenance who cannot smile and to whom a pleasantry is a mortal sin.
Add to this list the sister whose prayers are accusations against the church or self-pitying complaints about the way she is being treated by other members of the flock.
What shall we do about these infirm brothers and sisters? If we deal with them according to their deserts, we may crush them beyond recovery. The thing to do is to accept them as crosses and bear them for Jesus' sake. In the great day when we have become like our Lord and have left all imperfections behind, we will not be sorry we endured patiently the infirmities of the weak.
Sermon Outline
- The Infirmities of the Christian Assembly
- The Dangers of Dealing with Infirmities
- Accepting Infirmities as Crosses
- Bearing Infirmities for Jesus' Sake
- The Reward of Patience
- The Man of Heavy Countenance
Key Quotes
“The thing to do is to accept them as crosses and bear them for Jesus' sake.” — A.W. Tozer
“If we deal with them according to their deserts, we may crush them beyond recovery.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We should strive to be patient and understanding with those who are struggling in the church.
- Accepting and bearing the infirmities of others is a key aspect of following Jesus' example.
- Patience and kindness can be a powerful witness to the love and power of God.