CARE FOR THE YOUNG CONVERTS

We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. (Romans 15:1-2)

You who have long been believers in the Lord Jesus, who have grown rich in experience, who know the love and faithfulness of our covenant God, and who have long been believers in the Lord Jesus, who have grown rich in experience, who know the love and  faithfulness of our covenant God, and who are strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might; I want you to make a point of looking out the young converts, and speaking to them goodly words, and comfortable words, whereby they may be cheered and strengthened.

Why are we so reticent when a word would send our weaker brethren on their way rejoicing? Therefore, I do entreat all of you whom God has greatly blessed, to look after those that are of low estate in spiritual things, and try to cheer and encourage them. As you do this, God will bless you in return; but, if you neglect this tender duty, it may be that you yourselves will grow despondent, and be yourselves in need of friendly succor.

We should, in all probability, see a much more rapid  growth in grace among our young converts if they were better nursed and watched
over. Some of us owed much to old-experienced Christians in our younger days. I know I did. I shall forever respect the memory of a humble servant in the school  wherein I was usher, at Newmarket; an old woman, who talked with me concerning  the things of the kingdom, and taught me the way of the Lord more perfectly.

She knew the doctrines of grace better than many a doctor of divinity; and she held them with the tenacious grasp of one who found her life in them. It was my great privilege to help her in her old age; and but a little while ago she passed away to heaven. Many things did I learn of her, which today I delight to preach. Let it be said of us, when we, too, grow old, that those who were children when we
were young were helped by us to become useful in their riper years.[1] (Also, adapted from online source)

Charles Spurgeon

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End Notes:

[1] Charles Spurgeon, At the Master’s Feet [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005], July 20.

See also:

FAITHFUL TO YOUR CONVICTIONS

DARK DAYS AHEAD

THE BODY