Who should bear the infirmities of the weak?
The strong—those who have been believers for years on end—are the ones who should bear the infirmities of the weak. Mature believers must consider the hang-ups and weak ideas of younger believers, not causing them to stumble, and give in to their weaknesses rather than pleasing themselves.
Les teaches that the strong, meaning mature believers who have been saved for years, ought to bear the infirmities of the weak. He clarifies that "younger believers" may be 70 years old but have only been believers for a few years. The mature believer has to take into consideration the weak ideas of that younger believer and not cause him to stumble. We are to give in to the infirmities of the weak, not to please ourselves, but to please our neighbor for his good to edification—his growth in the Christian life. Christ is our primary example, for even Christ pleased not Himself, but the reproaches of those who reproached God fell on Him.
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
More Questions
What does Romans 15:1 say the strong should do for the weak?
Believers who have been in the faith for years on end ought to bear the infirmities, or hang-ups, of weaker younger believers.
Should believers give in to the infirmities of the weak instead of pleasing themselves?
Believers are to give in to the infirmities of the weak and not merely please themselves, but instead please the person next to them.
Should believers yield to the weak rather than please themselves?
Believers are to give in to the infirmities of the weak instead of pleasing themselves, pleasing the person next to them.