Romans 14:13-19,23

SCRIPTURE

Romans 14:13-19,23
Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 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. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

COMMENT

This is an interesting passage to try and understand, because you could take the idea of being a stumbling block to extremes on either side. On the one hand you could seriously try to avoid anything that someone else might deem sinful, alcohol, R-rated movies, cursing, near cursing (darn it), PG-rated movies, lack of tithing, not working on Sunday, etc. I think to live such a life would be a joyless, anxiety filled existence. So on the other hand, you could just do as you please because Jesus "got your back." You don't have to worry about what others think, because they are not your master, Jesus is. If Jesus wants you to drink, you do it. If you want to curse, you do it. Etc. I think to live such a life as a Christian is not really living a Christian life.

I think the truth lies in the middle, but it is a hard middle to define. I don't decide to put a stumbling block in the way of a brother. In other words, I limit my freedom with intention. Where that intention lies is an individual decision, but one that is made with my brother's interests at heart, because doing so ultimately puts Jesus's interests at heart. I know that nothing I eat is unclean, but for my weaker brother's sake, I do not eat it because that is not acting out of love for him or my Savior.

Do not destroy your brother, who is weaker in faith, by intentionally doing things that he believes are wrong.  If you know it offends, you sacrifice your freedom for his sake. That does not mean that you cannot do anything anyone might find offensive, that is legalism, and Paul has very strong words for legalists, just read Galatians. But as Paul states, the kingdom of heaven is a matter of righteousness and peace. Righteousness and peace are about relationships, and we cannot have either if we do not love our brothers. Remember Christ's teachings about adultery, how even looking at a woman lustfully is wrong? Remember how our righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law? If we sacrifice a freedom in order to save a brother, that pales in comparison to the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. That is a tough teaching, but I believe it is the truth.