In 1857, a few white members of the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) in South Africa asked permission to celebrate the Lord’s Supper separately from their black brothers and sisters. The General Assembly believed their request was wrong, but acquiesced “due to the weakness of some.” This concession soon became the norm. And this racism prompted the unwanted black Christians to leave and start their own churches. So the South African church, divided by race, eventually became a vocal supporter of apartheid. In 1924, the DRC argued that the races must remain separate, for “competition between black and white on economic levels . . . leads to poverty, friction, misunderstanding, suspicion, and bitterness.”
How might the history of South Africa be different if the church had not conceded to the sinful request of a few “weaker brothers”? We’re thankful for leaders such as Nelson Mandela who devoted their lives to end apartheid. But shame on the church that their sacrifice was even needed.
Peter gave in to the “weaker brothers” in Antioch (Galatians 2:12). He knew they were wrong to insist that Gentiles live like Jews but, afraid of what they might say, he refused to eat with Gentiles when these Judaizers came to town. Paul recognized that this was a big deal, for the reason these Jews split from the Gentiles put the gospel at risk (Galatians 2:14). How would the history of Christianity be different if Paul had not stood up to Peter’s shameful concession?
It’s never right to do wrong because others think it’s right. We must not violate our conscience on the flimsy ground that “They wouldn’t understand,” “It’s what they expect,” or “Just this once, what will it hurt?” It may seem easier to give in, but our concession will make life harder down the road.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Samuel 8:1-5
More:
Read Romans 14:1-23 to learn how to respond to a different kind of “weaker brother.”
Next:
How can you tell when to give in to a weaker brother and when to stand up to him? Why is racism—especially within the church—such a horrific thing?
Sandy on March 21, 2013 at 6:26 am
Interesting insight, Mike. I really enjoyed the whole issue. I just can’t imagine the church being so…well…mean. Today (I hope) as we are “sent”, this “sending” goes to those in great need, to not only feed the poor with fish, but teach them how to fish.
I so enjoy ODJ!
tom felten on March 21, 2013 at 9:06 am
Thanks for this devo, Mike. last night, I was talking with a young man that I’ve been reaching out to for several years. He lives in a situation that’s not healthy and that presents many wrong messages and temptations to sin. Sadly, though he knows what is right, he continues to choose what’s wrong and his life is a mess. I so wish I could make him follow God and His Words that lead to life, but—as I talked with him about—he alone to can walk the path that leads to real life (John 10:10).
mike wittmer on March 21, 2013 at 10:34 am
I wonder what concessions I’m making in my own life, that somehow I’m justifying, and later will wonder how I could have been so dumb and wrong. I wonder what concessions the church is making today? I’d say we caved on marriage–and not just with the gay marriage issue but awhile go when divorce and immorality became more acceptable.
Tom Kopper on March 21, 2013 at 9:32 pm
“The South African church, divided by race, eventually became a vocal supporter of apartheid [segregation].” I wonder where the church in American history, definitely had a starting impact in supporting segregation. And if at that point had the church stepped up to stop it, and where would America be today?
alli on March 22, 2013 at 12:05 am
I mean weaker doesnt mean sin. Thats the sin of partiality and pride. I thought weaker meant in faith like i eat pork you dont. Excluding someone whom Christ died for is sin. It also says if you dont love your brother your a liar.so i mean making consession for those who tolate sin in the church is i guess what i thought. There are many racist churches in the us. Peter was showing partiality but idont think was in authority to say who go worship and who couldnt thats a sin of the heart bc we all stand by grace nothing we have done or prestige we have gotten why Paul had to tell him. But i dont think it made him the weaker brother but was in sin
alli on March 22, 2013 at 12:14 am
Homosexuality is a sin. Im confused if some are clear and others are compromised i dont think it makes them weaker but blinded by sin. Weaker i thought meant areas of faith i celebrate the sabbath on sat not sunday or something debatable in the bible somethings are clear. Such as partiality which is in James so these ‘believers’ wouldnt be weaker simply wrong and committing a sin. What was the weakness if this was true that means i shoukdnt go to church with anyone different from myself. With excuse i am weak, im trying to figure it out was someone causing a stumbling block. There are different styles of worship but that shouldnt mean we cannot get along.
marvin williams on March 28, 2013 at 9:18 am
Mike, thanks for this article. I, too, wonder what concessions am I making in my own life, our church, and in larger Christianity. This will be a great conversation to have with my children. We tend to make concessions because of fear, ridicule, pressure from our peers. I suppose a good follow up conversation would be how to train our conscience so that we won’t give into making concessions when we should stand strong. MIke, thanks for challenging our thinking here.
ng on October 22, 2013 at 9:26 am
I am from South Africa and went to a church that supported segregation. They only stopped practicing this when Nelson Mandela brought an end to it. The name of the mission was Kwa Siza Bantu. How ironic a black name but run by white racist people. There is no love just judgment and fear. We were not allowed to wear make-up, jewellery, go to the movies, dating. We were told that we will go straight to hell. I still have a lot of animosity towards them. I feel like they ruined my teen years and the reason that I am still single. I am praying that the Lord will give me the strength to forgive.