As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him but not to quarrel over opinions. Romans 14:1 ESV
Romans 14 is a reminder for me not to pass judgement on others. Paul wrote this part of Romans to warn the Christians in Rome that arguing over opinions with the weak in faith will quickly tear them down rather than build them up. While God lays out laws we are to obey clearly, there are some areas of life where Christians act out of personal convictions rather then explicitly stated commands.
One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Romans 14:2-3 ESV
Paul brings up an example of conviction. The weak believer believes he should only eat vegetables while the other believes all food is lawful. Instead of taking sides or getting into an argument, Paul states that all are welcomed by God and should be treated as family in Christ.
The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. Romans 14: 6b-7 ESV
All things should be done in honor of the Lord, whether it be acting in freedom under Christ, or acting in conviction under Christ. God seems to care more about whether I love Him and my neighbor than whether I eat meat or not. I should not judge or despise a brother or sister in Christ over a conviction because God has welcomed them, and I am called to love them as myself.
I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. Romans 14:14-15 ESV
While I am not bound to the convictions of others, it is important that I do not belittle them for theirs or force my own upon them. Walking in love with others includes thinking of them over yourself and doing what will strengthen their faith. I should be careful not to cause another to stumble by what I do, but instead seek to build them up in their faith.
Dear God, help me to love others as You have called me to. Please keep me from despising or judging others for their convictions but to instead welcome them as You have welcomed me. In Your Holy Name, Amen.
Nathanael (nborger2017)
Sixty-six books in a year 