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Romans Commentary Chapters 9-16  /  Romans 15:1-7 Seeking the Edification of Others  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 4
The lesson argues, “If we do not [patiently bear with weaker Christians], we are not imitators of Christ”; what kinds of “transgressions and failings” do you personally find hardest to tolerate in believers you consider “weaker,” and how does Christ “bearing our infirmities” confront your instincts?
Another way to ask: What sins or weaknesses in other believers are hardest for you to be patient with? How does remembering that Christ carried our weaknesses challenge your first reaction?

Direct Answer The transcript doesn’t list specific modern “transgressions and failings,” but it presses you to see your intolerance as a failure to imitate Christ, who bore others’ weaknesses and even “our sickness and… suffering.”

Support from Transcript:

  • The command is personal and moral: “stronger Christians must patiently bear with the weaknesses and faults of weaker Christians.”
  • David Bercot’s strong conclusion: “If we do not, we are not imitators of Christ.”
  • Christ is the pattern: “Surely He has borne our sickness and carried our suffering.”
  • Origen’s comment connects it to God’s patience: “Christ endures our infirmities, and God patiently bears our transgressions.”
  • The question the lesson implicitly asks: “So how can we not also tolerate the transgressions and failings of those who seem weaker to us?”
  • Christ’s self-denial is emphasized: He “did not please Himself,” and accepted humiliation and death.
Discussion Follow-ups Name one type of “weakness” that triggers irritation in you. What would it look like to respond with patience aimed at the person’s “edification,” not your own comfort?

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