Romans 15:1, Bearing the Infirmities of the Weak

Romans 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

The stronger believer ought to bear the infirmities of the weaker believer is the continuing exhortation of the Apostle Paul in this chapter. William MacDonald explains well, “Treat the weaker brother with kindness and consideration.” The reference here is between the differences in practices of eating habits and observing of holy days between Jewish and Gentile Christians. Disharmony arises that disrupts the peace in the body of Christ.

The Apostle Paul illustrates this spirit of forbearance in 1 Corinthians 9:20-22 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.  

He was willing to give in and adjust himself to accept the “odd” ways of others. He recognizes that he is a witness for his Master and Jesus Himself demonstrated it by His willingness to wash His disciples’ feet, a most self-effacing, lowly task. He sets an example for us. May the Lord bless His people with the spiritual strength to bear the infirmities of the weak. Amen.