(1 Thessalonians 5:14) Help the weak.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:14, Paul exhorts us to help those who are "weak" in the church—for the "weak" are often overlooked and neglected by us.

Who are the "weak"?

The Bible identifies the "weak" as orphans, the elderly, widows, the hungry, and the sick. 

Below is a short general list.

The "weak" are:

• The powerless.
• Those who are unable to care for themselves.
• Those who do not have families to care for them.
• Those who are socially isolated and lonely.
• Those who are vulnerable.
• Those who are defenseless and oppressed.
• Those who are taken advantage of.
• Those who are mistreated.

Christians often overlook the "weak" because they can only offer us so little. 

If they don't benefit us, why should we care about them?

When we neglect the "weak" in the church, we cease to function as the New Testament church.

We must never forget that before God saved us by His grace, we too were helpless and powerless (Romans 5:6).

Unlike the New Testament church, the modern church often depends on government programs or outside organizations to care for those who are "weak" within our congregations.

This is sad because it is the responsibility of the church to care for the “weak” within the church family—not those outside the church.

Christian family members must also care for other family members who are “weak” and in need.

First Timothy 5:8 tells us, Anyone who does not provide for their own household has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Together, we are to defend the "weak" and the "needy"—to rescue them, deliver them, support them, uphold their rights, speak for them when they cannot speak for themselves, and keep them safe.

As Christians, we must "help the weak" in our families, in our churches, and throughout our world.

God blesses us so that we may bless others—especially the "weak" and those in need.