The saying we may be familiar with is, “I have your back.” When we express this, we are declaring our readiness to support someone. It signifies loyalty and trust. In this portion of Scripture, Paul calls those who are mature in their walk and strong in their faith to be there for those who are weak in faith.

I think of Christ as He is being crucified. He looks down and prays to the Father, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Christ sees the people not just in their current state of ignorance but in terms of what they can ultimately become. Just as Christ bore the sins of those who put Him on the cross, we are called to bear with one another, recognizing the potential of those around us. This is a calling for His people to mature together until we all become one body, united in love and purpose for the propagation of the gospel (Ephesians 4:13; Philippians 2:2-4; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Our calling is not merely individual; rather, it is a collective calling.

In this corporate calling, many are being sanctified through the Holy Spirit, where believers are progressively transformed to become more like Christ, reflecting His image, thoughts, desires, and actions. While we are all being sanctified, we must be patient with one another, holding onto the hopeful expectation that God is weaving us together as one—a precursor of heavenly life (Romans 7:23; Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 5:17).

This doesn’t mean that those who are mature are doormats, always being tread upon. No, the mature recognize areas for growth in the lives of other believers and continually confront their own need for growth. They remember that any personal offense has been paid for on the cross and lovingly confront those who are weak for the sake of the body of Christ. This involves applying everything that has been written for our instruction to their own lives, which further sanctifies both the mature and others until we all achieve unity and maturity in Christ (1 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Timothy 3:16).

What is the goal? It is until we all “live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together we may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We have each other’s backs, trusting in God to work in us, for His glory.

Lord, grant us the love to forgive those who have hurt your body, and the courage to confront them in love for the sake of the body.