Romans 14:1-5
Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand. One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.
Devotion
It is apparent from Paul’s letter that Christians in Rome had different opinions on certain practices since they came from various backgrounds. Theologians have called these issues “disputed matters” since differences of opinion are allowed, but it is easy to see how some believers feel otherwise. In this chapter, Paul will instruct believers on how to conduct themselves and lay out some principles on how to deal with disputable matters. The church must strive for tolerance and understanding on such matters, emphasizing the unity of believers, the expression of love for others, and the purity of the Gospel.
We see from this text that the believer who is weak in faith is overly conscientious about disputable matters. In this context, Paul is writing concerning dietary restrictions and religious observances. Paul commands believers to welcome weaker Christians but not to get into arguments about disputed matters. We see in verses three and four that mutual toleration is a Christian virtue. God accepts each believer, along with issues stemming from their background and maturity level, and is able to sanctify them.
Paul closes out this text with: “Let each one be fully convinced in his own mind.” We must each act in accordance with our conscience as the Holy Spirit guides us in these gray areas. At the end of the day, we must each choose to love (value) one another despite our differences on disputable matters. Let us remember what Paul wrote in Romans 13:19, “Love, therefore, is the fulfillment of the law.” When in doubt, choose to love one another deeply, and you will honor Christ by reflecting His nature.
Questions to Ponder
Are you quick to judge others in disputable matters? Are you able to accept/love others who are less mature in their faith? Do you like to argue about things that are not essential to your faith walk? What are some modern-day examples of disputable matters?
Prayer Points
- Turn your eyes and heart toward the Lord. Declare His faithfulness, unfailing love, mercy, kindness, patience, and long-suffering.
- Admit any sin. Confess judging others, nitpicking, or arguing. Confess being defensive, prideful, or arrogant. Confess worry, anxiety, or lack of control. Tell Him you are sorry. Invite Him to search your heart and reveal any other offensive way. Ask Him to help you to keep short accounts throughout the day. Receive His forgiveness.
- Ask the Lord to remind you of a time when someone more mature in the faith loved on you, walked alongside you, or was patient with you during a time of your zeal or immaturity. Thank God for them right now. Ask the Lord to bless and encourage them today.
- Pray our beloved church family will continue to walk in the way of love and unity.
- Pray for elections this week. Every believer to be compelled by the love of Jesus Christ, and for the Lord to raise up righteousness and tear down wickedness in our own lives and all across America.
Suggested Prayer
Sovereign Father, I declare You are perfect, holy, wonderful, glorious, and powerful. You are the one and only God. Thank You for Your unlimited patience and long-suffering. Thank You for taking each of us from glory to glory, always growing in You so we look and act more and more like You. Father, I ask that we, Your sons and daughters, would reflect You and Your Son, Jesus Christ, to all we come into contact with. I ask that the fruit of Your Holy Spirit within each of us would overflow from our hearts to each other, and that others would see our love and unity and know we are Yours. Enable us to trust You, oh God of Jacob, especially as we pray and intercede for our country and those running for office. Teach us how to pray this week, oh God. I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.