Romans 14:1-3 HCSB: “Accept anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about doubtful issues. One person believes he may eat anything, but one who is weak eats only vegetables. One who eats must not look down on one who does not eat, and one who does not eat must not criticize one who does, because God has accepted him.”
We all are strong in some aspects of our faith and weak in others. Isn’t it tempting to pass judgment on those that disagree on a doctrinal stand we are dogmatic about? There is a tendency with some people in any church to argue about nonessential things in their view of what is and is not to be in God’s will. They delve into that Christian indoor sport of self-righteous judging and trying then to change the other person. The early church in Rome had this very problem that Paul was addressing regarding controversies within the church family. Paul had just admonished the church in Rom. 13:13 to put on the armor of God and to stop sinning by “quarreling and jealousy.”
Each person must examine for themselves if something will cause them to sin and hurt their relationship with Christ in any doubtful area. Paul has just instructed in Romans 13:13, to “walk properly. . . . and not in quarreling.” The HCSB uses the phrase “don’t argue, in Rom. 14:1, and the ESV uses the phrase “not to quarrel over opinions” with someone who is “weak in faith, welcome him.” They could have weak faith or are weak in their faith.
I believe convictions need to be upheld, don’t misunderstand me. We must act upon our conscience and discernment based on the Word of God and not compromise. But sadly how harmful fighting about differences of opinion, not involving the grace of God and salvation found in our Lord Jesus Christ, is really a waste of time and is the opposite of being a living example of the peace found in Christ.
Wise Warnings Against Quarreling:
Proverbs 17:14: “The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.
2 Timothy 2:14: “Remind them of these things, and charge them before God, not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.”
2 Timothy 2:24-25: “And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness.”
I think Paul’s chosen words in 2 Tim. 2:14 and again in verses 24-25 sums it up precisely in regards to quarrels within the Christian community. We need to practice and live as Christ did – with solid firmness when needed but basked in gentleness and love. Paul, in this setting, is awaiting his death. He is reminding Timothy that the purpose of being a disciple and apostle for Christ is to proclaim the gospel – not to argue but to pursue righteousness (v.22), faith, hope, and peace, from a pure heart.
If you were awaiting your death, what would be your final words that you want to impress upon your family and fellow workers? What would you want them to remember you for?
I love the MSG version of Romans 14:1-3:
“Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with – even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.”
We that are born again Christians have all been invited guests to Christ’s table, and all are welcome. I love the following verses found in the MSG which further declares: “So each person is free to follow the convictions of conscience. . . What’s important in all this is that if you keep a holy day, keep it for God’s sake; if you eat meat, eat it to the glory of God and thank God for prime rib; if you’re a vegetarian, eat vegetables to the glory of God and thank God for broccoli. . . It’s God we are answerable to – all the way from life to death and everything in between – not each other.” Romans 14:5-8 MSG.
The conclusion for us should be – accept and welcome all believers as our sister and brother in Christ. Show gentleness in differences of opinions and hold tight to your convictions of conscience. We all will have to give an account and answer for ourselves before God one day when we stand before God’s court of justice – the judgment seat of Christ (Rom. 14:10 and 2 Cor. 5:10). We all are required to have faithful obedience and on that day every Christian will not be judged for sin but are to be given awards for what we have done for God’s glory in obedience to Him (1 Cor. 3:13-15).
We need to keep our focus on seeking intimate fellowship with Jesus, and being in His presence – that should be our priority. In judging others (I admit I have done this many times), or if you have been wrongly judged, remember God’s grace is freely given. Others, or you, may not know the full story. But God sees and knows it all. God says: “I am with you. I will see you through.” Set your heart continually on heaven. Some day God’s righteous judgment will be perfect and justified.
Now it’s time to eat some broccoli and filet mignon and thank God for providing it!
Listen to a special YouTube pictured song from Mercy Me. It is titled Mix-Grace Got You. It is the one with Star Wars characters pictured on the first screen and is 3:38 minutes. Enjoy!