I have met believers who are very uncomfortable with the idea that the Bible contains psychology. The more I read it, however, the more I am convinced that it is a wonderful source for understanding human psychology.
In (Romans 14:1) Paul says we should accept the one who is weak in the faith. I know quite well who it is who is weak in the faith: he is the one who does not agree with me on some point of doctrine. If I argue with him, I can see clearly where he is weak, and he will overcome that weakness if he will only come around to my way of seeing things.
In fact, I will be quite happy to accept him so that I can straighten him out, make him understand things the "right" way, which means the way I understand them. But here comes Paul's psychology. He says I should accept him without any intention of judging his opinions. But the very fact that we need to be exhorted to accept each other is an indication that we are in disagreement.
Most of us are ready to admit that there are things we do not know perfectly-until we get into an argument about something. Then we defend ourselves and our position. Then we become those who are "strong in the faith."
Here again I meet Paul's psychology. If I think I am strong in the faith on some point, then I am obligated to help that "weaker" brother and not just push my own position, not defend myself, not please myself.
And to what degree am I to accept this person who does not have all of his doctrine together? Paul says I should accept him just as Christ has accepted me. But that is about as extreme as it can get. On the day that Jesus accepted me, I was a brand new believer. I understood very little doctrine and would surely have failed a doctrine test. All I knew was that my sins were forgiven and that I felt wonderful. On that day he accepted me. He did not send me off to some kind of Acceptance Catechism, where I had to pass a test to gain his acceptance. He accepted me then and there with all of my ignorance and faulty doctrine.
And that, says Paul, is how I am to accept my "weaker" brother. Not so I can correct him. Just accept him so that I can love him, just as Christ loved me and accepted me.
- 2 DECEMBER -