Useful Bible Studies > Romans Commentary > chapter 15
As a child grows, he should become strong in both his body and his mind (Luke 2:52). In the same way, the Bible teaches that Christians should become stronger in their relationship with God (Hebrews 5:11-14). They should increase in faith (trust in God). That is the result of their study of the Bible, and their experiences as they learn to trust God.
Christians are weak when they depend on their own feelings. They allow their own desires, ambitions, fears and emotions to guide their lives, instead of God’s Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). They have not yet become mature in their relationship with God.
In most churches, few of the Christians are really strong. Very many Christians are much weaker in their relationship with God than they realise. Often, that weakness becomes clear to other people because of the wrong or foolish attitudes and behaviour of those weak Christians.
In such situations, a stronger Christian might want to speak in a bitter or fierce manner against the weaker Christian (14:1-4). In some situations it is necessary to speak firmly, however, the stronger Christian always needs to act in love (1 Corinthians chapter 13). Of course every Christian should act in love - but the strength of a strong Christian’s relationship with God makes him more able to do that. The strength of a physically strong person allows him to carry weights on behalf of a weaker person. In the same way, a stronger Christian has great trust in God; and that allows him to help weaker Christians.
Next part: Should Christians try to please other people? (Romans 15:2)
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