The Duty of the Strong to the Weak
J. Brown, D.D. Romans 15:1-3 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.… Christians are a band of pilgrims from the city of Destruction to the Jerusalem above. Though none are in perfect health — none without some burden, yet some are comparatively healthy, strong and unencumbered; others are weak and sickly, and very heavy laden. The former class are not to form themselves into a separate band, and push forward, regardless of what may become of their less fortunate brethren, leaving them to follow as they may. No, they are to remain what the Lord of the pilgrims made them, one society — a band of brothers. The strong and unencumbered are to help forward the weak and burdened. They are not, indeed, in order that the whole company may appear alike, to pretend that they also are weak and heavy laden; still less, if possible, are they voluntarily to reduce themselves in these respects to a level with their brethren; but they are patiently to submit to such inconveniences as arise out of their connection with such companions, and while using every means to have their diseases cured, and their strength increased, and their burdens removed or lessened, they must not at present attempt to make them move faster than they are able, as that would be likely to produce stumbling and falling. How happy would it have been, how happy would it be, if all the weak were treated by the strong as Feeblemind in the "Pilgrim's Progress," says he was treated by his brethren: "Indeed, I have found much relief from pilgrims, though none was willing to go so softly as I am forced to do; yet still as they came on, they bid me be of good cheer, and said that it was the will of the Lord that comfort should be given to the feeble minded, and so went on their own pace." (J. Brown, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. WEB: Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves.