Romans 15:1-3 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.… This noble aphorism contains the highest philosophy and the purest religion. We have here — I. THE PRINCIPLE OF ASSOCIATION. How much has this come to the fore! We have Life, Fire, and Co-operative "Associations." Men begin to see the advantages of these things, and we should not forget that it was Christianity which gave the key-note to their existence. But Paul goes further. He would have the whole world one vast co-operative association — men and women associating in all things, and remembering that they are members of one great family, and acting as such. II. THE LAW OF ASSISTANCE. This would be a poor world if we were not to lend a helping hand one to another; the strong man is to bear the infirmities of the weak. He is to do so by advice, by bestowing alms, by giving encouragement, by kindly help. How highly does our Lord praise those who helped others (see parable of Good Samaritan), and Himself set us the example. III. THE LAW OF EQUALISATION. The inhabitants of this world are diverse; they differ in character, appearance, and position. The law of our text teaches the rich to help the poor, the strong the weak, and so adjust the inequalities of life. (D. Thomas, 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. |
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