A biblical mandate for sensitivity …

When God created us human beings, He did not use a cookie cutter.

We’re all different.

That means that some of us are stronger than others — not just physically, but spiritually, mentally, and emotionally as well. Some of us are just better wired to directly taking on tough issues and trying challenges than are others. Some of us can take harsh news in stride, while others may be staggered by the same news. James Emery White provides an example of this in the following story …

A man and his wife didn’t have any children but they had a labrador retriever that they loved and adored just like a child. Well, for months the man’s wife had been planning a trip to go overseas. The plan was that she would go to N.Y. first, then fly to London. From London, she would go on to various other cities.

When she got to N.Y. she called home and she asked, “How are things?”

The husband’s reply was shocking. “The dog’s dead.”

“What?!” she exclaimed. “Why would you just come out and say it like that? This is devastating news to me! I mean, couldn’t you have done that a little bit differently? I’m miles from home and you tell me the dog’s dead. That’s like telling me our child died!”

“I don’t know how else to say it. I mean, he’s dead.”

“Well you could have given it to me in stages.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well for instance, when I first called to check in you could have told me, ‘The dog’s on the roof.’ Then when I called from London you could have said, ‘The dog has fallen off the roof.’ And when I called you from Paris you could have said, ‘The dog had to be taken to the vet and he’s in the animal hospital and he’s not doing well.’ And then when I finally arrived in Rome and called you could have said, ‘Honey, sit down and brace yourself. Our darling labrador retriever has passed away.’ You could have done it like that and then I would have taken it better. Then I could have handled it.”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’ll try to do better in the future.”

“Well ok. ok. I just wanted to clear that one up. You know, get it off my chest. Anyway, how’s my mother?”

“She’s on the roof.”

Knowing that we’re all different, and some of us are stronger than others, God included in His written word to us a message directing those of us who are stronger to be sensitive with those who are weaker. The Apostle Paul unfolds that directive for us in his letter to the Roman Christians. He begins in Romans 14:1 …

“Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval.

“In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose — to be Lord both of the living and of the dead,” Romans 14:1-9

Paul continues with this vein of reasoning through the remainder of chapter 14, and then starting in chapter 15 we’re presented with this clear mandate for sensitivity:

“We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.” – Romans 15:1-2.

Those of us who are stronger are too often quick to make the mistake of thinking those who are weaker haven’t listened to the Lord. That is often not the case. For some, it takes a little time of gathering courage or clearly processing how to apply what God has said, while those who are strong may immediately jump into action.

We all need to yield our lives to the practice of saying to God, “Speak, Lord!” then listening closely, and finally doing exactly what He tells us to do. Some of us will be wildly bold about this, others more timid; it’s not the flourish of our response that matters, it’s the actual listening and doing.

Pastor Derrick Tuper highlighted the need for all of us to be listening to what God has to say to each of us …

In his devotional book, “My Utmost For His Highest” Oswald Chambers writes, “Get into the habit of saying, ‘Speak, Lord,’ and life will become a romance. Every time circumstances press in on you say, ‘Speak, Lord,’ and make time to listen. Chastening is more than a means of discipline — it is meant to bring me to the point of saying, ‘Speak, Lord.’ Think back to a time when God spoke to you. Do you remember what he said? As we listen, our ears become more sensitive, and like Jesus, we will hear God all the time.”

Truth is not subjective, it’s objective, but for some things how we’re to apply truth to our individual lives may have some subjectivity to it. We need to say, “Speak, Lord!” and listen. And those who are stronger need to be sensitive to those who are weaker in this process. Not only are we to be sensitive, but Paul added to that admonition that “We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.” There are many timid souls out there who are trying to be braver than they are, who would be bolstered with courage by the encouragement from those who are strong.

The patient encouragement and support of the stronger among us will help the weaker to mature in their faith and grow in their capacity to embrace this statement penned by Paul …

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline,” 2 Timothy 1:7.

It can be easy to want everyone else to be as brave and bold as you are. But not everyone is. Be sensitive with those who aren’t. Help them to do what is right, and build them up in the Lord.

Scotty