We left off yesterday with the poor imagery of choking on what a pastor might say to some who have not matured enough to digest the spiritual word being given in the sermon. This is the International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia’s comment on choking.

Figurative: It is used in the sense of “to strangle” “smother,” “suffocate,” as if by depriving of breath, in describing the fate of the young grain growing in the midst of thorns (Matthew 13:7). The figurative is carried a little farther still in describing the way the word, planted in the heart, is overcome by the care of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches (Matthew 13:22).

Key in our understanding is the issue of the breath of God is being deprived which in this case is the Holy Spirit being withheld for that individual.

Let us be patient with those that choke on the Word, it is not within their control.

Romans 12:10-11 English Standard Version

¹⁰ Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. ¹¹ Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

The fact that we even notice may be a sign from God to render aid.

One line of Romans 12:10 is stricken out but not omitted. We honor one another by loving one another but this is not a competition. We do what we can because we can.

I understand this is not something we talk about often. Just because it is uncomfortable does not mean we should withhold a word that might help, even if it is only one person one time in our lives.

Situational awareness is also the purview of God.