Weakness, spiritual

Human standards of strength and weakness are overturned by God's perspective and may be used for his glory.

Spiritual weakness leads to increased reliance on God

2 Corinthians 12:10 See also Matthew 26:41 parallel Mark 14:38; Romans 4:19; 1 Corinthians 1:27–29, 1 Corinthians 2:2–5

That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Weakness demonstrates the power of God

1 Corinthians 1:27 See also Isaiah 40:29–31, Isaiah 50:4; Jeremiah 31:25; 2 Corinthians 12:5–10

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

God helps those who are weak

Romans 8:26 See also Isaiah 40:29; Ezekiel 34:16; Joel 3:10; Hebrews 11:34

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.

Spiritual weakness should not be despised

Romans 15:1 See also Matthew 26:41 parallel Mark 14:38; Romans 14:1; 1 Corinthians 4:10, 1 Corinthians 8:7–12, 1 Corinthians 9:22

We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves.

Overcoming spiritual weakness

The importance of overcoming weakness

Hebrews 12:12 See also Joshua 1:6–7; Joel 3:10; Matthew 6:28–33; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Hebrews 11:11

Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees.

Weakness can be overcome by trusting in God

Romans 4:20 See also Matthew 8:26, Matthew 14:30–31; 2 Timothy 1:6–8; James 1:6

Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,