Romans: Unity Beyond Conviction

Romans 14:1-12

Christians strongly adhere to biblical truths, defending them passionately and living with firm convictions. Many believers have clear opinions about politics, believing all Christians should support a specific political party. Christians can also hold social beliefs. For example, regarding drinking, Scripture clearly states that getting drunk is a sin. Beyond that, there is often a division between those who drink responsibly and those who choose to abstain. 

Deep convictions that are not explicitly defined as biblical truth are called “disputable matters” in Scripture (Rom. 14:1 NIV). We all hold such convictions. However, problems arise when we try to force our preferences on others or judge them in these “disputable matters.” That is the main message Paul conveys in Romans 14. 

For the believers in Rome, there seem to be two main issues. The first concerns the practice of eating or not eating meat. Paul does not explain the reasons behind these two positions; however, it is enough to say that these groups had different experiences and expectations when they joined the church. Maybe the opinions stemmed from eating meat offered to idols, which Paul addressed with the Corinthians (1 Cor. 8). Paul does not provide details. He only mentions that a difference in practice exists (Rom. 14:1-3). 

The second issue concerned the way special and sacred days were regarded. This was probably a disagreement between Jews and Christians. Jews grew up celebrating the Sabbath, Passover, Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. These days were a customary and meaningful part of their lives. However, the Gentile believers had no background with these events; one day was as important as any other. 

Paul discusses the issues and presents essential principles.

1. We accept each other without the motive to force conformity on one another (Rom. 14:1-2).

Romans 14:1-2
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables.

The phrase “weak in faith” does not refer to a new believer, an immature believer, or a stalled believer. It describes someone who has a strong conviction about something that is not a biblical command. Jesus “declared all foods clean” (Mark 7:18-19). Therefore, there is no biblical issue with eating meat.

Some believed that only vegetables should be eaten. Paul states that we should not argue over opinions (NIV—“disputable matters”), trying to persuade others that our view is correct and theirs is wrong. Accept and love them as members of the body of Christ.

2. We accept one another without judgment (Rom. 14:3-8).

Romans 14:3-4
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. 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. 

Again, we are not talking about actions that Scripture says, “do” or “don’t do.” We are discussing matters of conscience rooted in background and experience. We should not “pass judgment” on someone who holds a conviction different from ours. The only true judge is Jesus, and he sees into our hearts. Paul says: 

Romans 14:5-8
One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. 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. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.

Here, Paul gets to the crux of the matter. Whatever we do, we must do it to honor God. It’s a matter of the heart. Jesus is our Lord whether we live or die. He is the Lord of heaven and earth.

3. We need to accept one another because each of us will give a personal account to God (Rom. 14:9-12). 

In these verses, Paul established the theological basis for his instruction to stop judging each other. We are not the judges; Jesus is. One day, we will all be accountable for our actions before God. 

Romans 14:9-12
For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. 

As believers, we should love one another, care for one another, and be kind to one another. We will have much interaction and, certainly, we will not always agree on “disputable matters.” Paul quotes Isaiah 45:23 to remind us that one day every person will bow and “confess to God.” You will give your account, and I will give mine. There is only one Judge, and he is Jesus.

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Romans 14:1-12. What are some “opinions” or “disputable matters” in the church today?

Talking to God: How can you enhance your interactions with believers from different backgrounds, practices, or perspectives than your own?

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