Apologetics

Tolerated Brethren

by Olawale Ogunsola
08/24/23
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=Everyone is living in the flesh, no matter the level of their spirituality. The Spirit needs a place to operate effectively which is the flesh. One undeniable truth is that the flesh is weak and Saints should not allow the flesh to control them but must subject it to the control of the Holy Spirit.

This becomes possible by growing up in the Lord through reading and applying the Word of the Lord to our lives. It is also worthy of note that growth does not take place in people's lives at the same rate. That is one of the reasons every Saint needs to put up with those who are not as they are in growth.

Apostle Paul is right then to encourage Saints of God thus,
"We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification." Romans 15:1-2.

Let me point out here that the man of God clarifies it. He asks that the infirmities of the weak should be tolerated to bring about edification. It will give room for improvement and growth of the weak. To bear the infinities of others is an attempt to encourage them to grow more in the Lord. That is to put on more of the Lord to look like Him.

Let me not fail to state here that a Saint who is not interested in improving his status for the better takes very serious risks. The reason is that tolerance is like an elastic material. If you stretch it, it will expand. However, when it gets to a point, it will seize to expand. Any attempt to continue to stretch it will lead to breaking it.

Tolerance has a terminal end. So a tolerant person needs to be very careful that he may not forfeit his relationship with God and other brethren. He may lose his life and God-given rights and privileges.

The same holds for anyone who is being tolerated.

This was the case with the people of God, the Jews, on the verge of getting to their land of rest. The Lord Who had remained loving and bearing with their unbelief at a point was not pleased with them and purposed as follows,
"How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.
Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: Numbers 14: 27-28.

Because they failed to trust the Lord their God, they murmured and complained against Him, all those who were involved wasted their lives in the wilderness, not reaching the promised land, flowing with milk and honey. What a colossal loss!

Beloved reader, do not hesitate to put on a new leaf if you are tolerated by God or the brethren. There is a limit to their tolerance. Do not wait until a stern and irreversible decision is taken against you. Such is never to taste. As you are turned by God's and people's tolerance, please turn yourself. Stay blessed and prepared for the imminent coming of the Lord.