Young Christians need the kind of fellowship that will protect them and encourage them to grow. But we cannot treat them as “babies” all their lives! More mature Christians must exercise love and patience and be careful not to cause them to stumble. Younger Christians must mature in the faith and thus help other believers grow.

The weak must learn from the strong, and the strong must love the weak. The wonderful result will be peace and maturity to the glory of God.

Verve for today: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18, NIV).

More to read: Titus 2:1-8; Ephesians 4:1-3.

Action assignment: Describe one mature Christian and one young-in-the-faith Christian you know, using descriptive words like loving, etc.:
A mature Christian I A young Christian I
know is: know is:
________________ _________________
_______________ ____________________

_______________ ____________________

Take special note of their strong and weak points (as far as you have been able to discern them).
How do you line up—as mature or immature in the faith— according to your own evaluation of the other two? Are you surprised about yourself? Now commit the three of you to the Lord, asking Him to help you encourage the weak and strong alike.

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in