Christ gives us liberty, but some are weak, and causing unnecessary offense is an abuse of that Christian freedom. How should we treat those who are weak in faith?
Welcome the person who is weak in faith—but not in order to argue about differences of opinion. (Romans 14:1 CEB)
What about food choices? Could this also relate to food choices like vegetarianism and Old Testament food laws?
Some think it is all right to eat anything, while those whose faith is weak will eat only vegetables. 3 But you should not criticize others for eating or for not eating. After all, God welcomes everyone. (Romans 14:2-3 CEV)
What about passing judgment?
Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. (Romans 14:4 ESV)
What about the choice of days? Could this also relate to a weekly rest day and annual worship days?
One person considers one day to be above another day. Someone else considers every day to be the same. Each one must be fully convinced in his own mind. (Romans 14:5 HCSB)
What is the right attitude towards such personal choices?
He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. (Romans 14:6 KJV)
Are we all in the church connected to the Lord?
For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; 8 for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. (Romans 14:7-8 NASB)
Should we treat the legitimate choices of others with contempt?
For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. (Romans 14:9-10 NIV)
Will we each be required to give an account of ourselves to God?
For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” 12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:11-12 NKJV)
Should Christians avoid judgmentalism or a critical spirit?
So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. (Romans 14:13 NLT)
Are Old Testament clean and unclean laws still in effect? Should we eat in front of those who do not eat certain foods, purposefully offending them?
I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself; except that to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 Yet if because of food your brother is grieved, you walk no longer in love. Don’t destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. (Romans 14:14-15 WEB)
On the other hand, should we allow others to criticize our eating choices? What is it all supposed to be about?
And don’t let something you consider to be good be criticized as wrong. 17 God’s kingdom isn’t about eating food and drinking but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:16-17 CEB)
If we clearly put such personal choices of days and food preferences in the category of non-essentials, is God pleased?
If you serve Christ in this way, you will please God and be respected by people. 19 We should try to live at peace and help each other have a strong faith. (Romans 14:18-19 CEV)
What other actions can cause unnecessary offense?
Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. (Romans 14:20-21 NLT)
Is it wise to keep our opinions on non-issues to ourselves? Should we violate our own conscience?
You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right. 23 But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning. (Romans 8:22-23 NLT)
Keeping the peace in the church is imperative. What other lesser issues are best kept to ourselves? You decide!
