A citation from the library
John Chrysostom, on Rom 15:1
John Chrysostom · A.D. 347–407
Rom 15:1 · Douay-Rheims
“Now we that are stronger, ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”
On this verse:
“After giving the doxology then, he again goes from prayer to exhortation, directing his discourse against the stronger, and saying as follows: "We then that are strong, ought"-it is "we ought," not "we are so kind as to." What is it we ought to do?-"to bear the infirmities of the weak." See how he has roused their attention by his praises, not only by calling them powerful, but also by putting them alongside of himself. And not by this only, but by the advantage of the thing he again allures them, and by its not being burdensome. For thou, he says, art powerful, and art no whit the worse for condescending. But to him the hazard is of the last consequence, if he is not borne with. And he does not say the infirm, but the "infirmities of the weak," so drawing him and bending him to mercy. As in another place too he says, "Ye that are spiritual restore such an one." (Gal. vi. I) Art thou become powerful? Render a return to God for making thee so. But render it thou wilt if thou settest the weakness of the sickly right. For we too were weak, but by grace we have become powerful. And this we are to do not in this case only, but also in the case of those who are weak in other respects. As, for instance, if any be passionate, or insolent, or has any such like failing bear with him. And how is this to be? Listen to what comes next. For after saying "we ought to bear," he adds, "and not to please ourselves."”
Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.