Weakness and the Weak

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the fact that God loves strength in man but also cares for the weak and asks the strong to bear their weaknesses.
Types of weakness
He explains that there is an acceptable weakness (such as poverty, age, or illness) and an unacceptable weakness that must be resisted (such as weak nerves, weak will, bad habits).
Treating individual weakness
He calls for self-examination to know points of weakness and then confronting their causes with spiritual and practical training: fasting, discipline, strengthening the will, and avoiding fields of temptation.
Our stance toward the weak
The matter is clear: do not despise the weak nor scorn them, but encourage them and support them and pray for them so that the Lord may strengthen them, for God lifts up the poor and loves to strengthen them.
Spiritual and educational dimension
The spiritual message is that true strength appears in bearing and supporting the other, and that spiritual courage requires steadfast faith, hope, and prayer.
A call for church action
The saint urges that we examine the state of the church and its services and discover where weakness has entered so that we may find means of renewal and return to spiritual strength.
Conclusion and encouragement
Weakness is not an end but an opportunity for repentance and growth: confessing the weakness, asking God’s help, struggling in spirit and persevering until the person stands firm and prevails.

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