Read Romans 14.
Earlier in these devotionals on Romans, I mentioned that scholars have speculated that there might have been two churches in Rome–one Jewish and one Gentile. If that’s the case–and it is just speculation–then Paul did not see them as two churches but as one church divided about some important issues. The chapters on law and grace were designed to set a foundation for healing that division; this chapter, Romans 14, addresses that division as well.
The command that opens this chapter is, “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters” (v. 1). Verses 2-3, 5-6 raise two examples of these “disputable matters.” One has to do with diet (vv. 2-3) and the other has to do with the Sabbath (vv. 5-6). The person “whose faith is weak” is the person who wants to stay kosher (v. 2b: “another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables”) and the person who wants to observe the Sabbath–whether on Saturday or Sunday (v. 6).
Jewish believers and some Gentiles who were steeped in the Old Testament would probably have a hard time being known as the “weaker brother or sister.” because their position is based on scripture. However, they are the weaker believers because they cannot accept the later revelation that declared all foods to be clean and that Christ is the end of the law for those who believe. It would seem that Paul could have justifiably rebuked those who wanted to live a stricter life in these areas because they were not believing and applying God’s word as delivered to the Apostles. Paul did not, however, condemn them; in fact, he commanded believers on all sides not to condemn each other (v. 10). Instead of judging and quarreling, he commanded us to accept each other and believe the best about the other–that he or she is acting that way for the Lord (vv. 3c-8).
Instead of judging each other, God’s word encourages us to work out our own convictions for ourselves (v. 5b) and, if we have a more tolerant position than some Christians, to keep that to ourselves (v. 22) because we love other believers and want them to stand not stumble (vv. 13-21).
Our own choices should be measured not by other people but by two things:
- Knowledge that we will answer to God for how we’ve lived this life (vv. 10-12)
- Our own conscience (v. 23).
Is there anything you do as a Christian that other Christians might think is wrong? Do you refuse to do something as a Christian that other Christians think is acceptable? Both of those things are OK, provided they are not directly contradictory to scripture, that you do them in faith and that you are prepared to answer to God for them. In the meantime, though, act in love toward those who disagree with you. This will unify us in Christ on many issues that divide the church which will strengthen our witness to the world and help us all glorify God together.
