This article functions as an application of Philippians 3:15–17:
[15] Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. [16] Only let us hold true to what we have attained. [17] Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
Spurgeon published the following in his collection entitled Flowers from a Puritan’s Garden, in which he comments on the quotations of the Puritan Thomas Manton, who is commenting on Philippians 3:15 from the Apostle Paul. I, in turn, want to comment on and add to Spurgeon’s comments here and speak to the application of this truth in my own context. This is me seeking to follow Spurgeon as he follows Manton, who follows Paul, who follows Christ. Although each of our words must be judged by our faithfulness to God’s Word, we can still find, in exposition upon exposition upon exposition, not a lessening of the truth but an expanding of the application of truth.
Although we cannot love their weaknesses, yet we must love the weak and bear with their infirmities, not breaking the bruised reed. Infants must not be turned out of the family because they cry and are unquiet and troublesome. Although they are crabby and irritable, we must bear it with gentleness and patience, as we do the irritability of the sick; if they revile, we must not revile again, but must seek gently to restore them, despite all their disparagements. — Thomas Manton
This patience is far too rare. We do not make enough allowances for our fellows, but sweepingly condemn those whom we should encourage with our sympathy. If we are irritable ourselves, we blame the weather, a headache, our natural temperament, or annoying circumstances. We are never at a loss for an excuse for ourselves, so why should not the same cleverness be used by our kindness in inventing excuses and reasons for others? It is a pity to carry on the trade of apology-making entirely for home consumption; let us also supply others. It is true that they are very annoying, but if we suffered half as much as some of our irritable friends have to endure, we would be even more aggravating. Think in many cases of their ignorance, their unfortunate bringing up, their poverty, their depression of spirit, and their home surroundings, and compassion will come to the help of patience. We are sympathetic to a person who has a sore toe, and cannot we extend the feeling to those who have an irritable soul? Our Lord will be angry with us if we are harsh to His little ones whom He loves, nor will He be pleased if we are unkind to His poor afflicted children with whom He wants us to be doubly tender. We ourselves need from Him ten times more consideration than we show to our brethren. For His sake, we should be vastly more patient than we are. Think how patient He has been to us, and let our hard-heartedness be confessed as no little sin. — Charles Spurgeon
How quick we are to respond harshly to those who annoy or harass us, whether they are children, youth, the intellectually disabled, or those from a different background. The longer I have been in ministry, the more I find that those whom people may be quick to dismiss or belittle often have far harsher backgrounds than I could have ever imagined. What I perceived as disobedience in a youth is often a cry for attention and care.
When some people look at my child with autism, they see that he does not meet their eyes. When they see his meltdown, they believe it to be a tantrum. I myself struggle to perceive the difference at times. What kindness and compassion the Savior has shown me! So, what kindness and compassion should I be called to show others?
When I see a small lamb begin to wander, do I search diligently and compassionately attempt to call them back into the fold, or are harshness and abuse quick to come to my mind and lips?
Our Lord will be angry if we are harsh with His little ones. The millstone is prepared for the neck of the one who causes the little ones to stumble. Those harassed and beaten down by this world are seen and known by the Savior of the world. The whole of Scripture proclaims that God is a Father to the fatherless.
The law proclaims:
Leviticus 19:14: “You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God: I am the LORD.”
The fear of their Father and the One who loves them should cause us to tremble. Jesus, who flipped tables and is coming back in His wrath against those who abuse and malign the weak, will call all men to give an account for how they treated the weak.
The apostle Paul, in the passage Manton is commenting on, writes:
Philippians 3:14–15: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.”
Those who lack maturity but are still in Christ, those who are weak in an area, those infants in Christ, the downcast and broken by the world, and those with great baggage and burdens need faithful and mature brothers to imitate in love. They do not need prideful, boastful brothers who cast down scorn and set up barriers.
The longer I live, the more I learn that even the weaker parts of my body are essential. A toothache can bring me to my knees, and a stubbed pinky toe can almost lead me to swearing. As a body, we are all connected.
Those of us who may be stronger must care for and protect the weak, the young, and the innocent, lest the entire body be in pain. We must remember our own weakness and Christ’s own patience with us. As Spurgeon said, “For His sake, we should be vastly more patient than we are. Think how patient He has been to us, and let our hard-heartedness be confessed as no little sin.”
Books I am Reading this Week
On Tuesdays, I’ll share books I’m reading and recommend you pick up, too. I’ll link to the cheapest edition I can find. If you’d like more recommendations, feel free to reach out!
The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Letters of John Newton
Beyond Suffering by Joni & Friends (This is a link to the full course but a version is available for free to Kindle+ members.)