We all need help from time to time. There are no “maintenance-free” Christians. We all need assistance, comfort, instruction, reproof, encouragement, and acceptance. We must avoid, at all costs, the mind-set of the Laodiceans in Revelation 3:17, “I…have need of nothing.” In our text, the Lord uses Paul to remind us that we do not all need the same thing at the same time. Those who are “unruly” will need someone to warn them, as well as the rebellious and disobedient. The Bible tells us to “comfort the feebleminded.”  There will be those who are faint-hearted or discouraged; they are in need of encouragement and comfort. They do not need to be rebuked or warned.  Sometimes, the brethren will be “weak” and in need of someone to help carry their burdens or support them in their weakness. However, whatever the need, we must have patience with everyone in our spiritual family. The verse goes on to say, “be patient toward all men.” We are to be forbearing with all the brethren. One of the greatest mistakes we make, in our attempts to minister to God’s people, surfaces when we try to give the same medicine to every ill person. We do not want to correct and reprove someone who needs support, nor do we want to comfort those who need warning.

How reassuring to know that God knows the spiritual condition of every person, and He knows what we need. We can come to Him with our needs and know that He cares; he holds the perfect answer for our problems. We can also trust Him to give us direction and discernment, when we seek to help those who struggle. We must remember to “be patient toward all men.” None of us have arrived; we all have room to grow, much room.  People, like plants, do not all grow at the same pace. Although we may be further along in a particular area than another brother or sister, if we will be honest, we discover our own weaknesses of other areas.  If we keep this in mind, we will exhibit more patience towards others. Lastly, remembering how patient God has been, and continues to be, with us will grow our patience with others.