ROMANS 14

In an effort to heal some of the wounds among us some brethren use Romans 14 as an unfailing remedy for all that ails us. To them Romans 14 is a cure-all for our disagreements on marriage-divorce-remarriage, fellowship, instrumental music and such like. They read Romans 14:1-3, which says, "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another who is weak eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him." After reading the passage they conclude that God is telling us to forget about any differences which might arise among us. Just apply the Romans 14 remedy and all will be well between us and God. Is that what God wants us to learn from a study of Romans 14? Let us reason together.

There's no doubt that Paul was writing to correct a serious problem in the church. It concerned despising a brother, v.2; judging a brother, v.10; putting a stumbling block in a brother's way, v.13; grieving a brother, v.15 and destroying him, v.15. But, what caused the problem in the first place? It concerned itself with whether it was right or wrong to eat meat, vs. 2, 15, 20. For one reason or another some thought it was wrong to eat meat and ate herbs. Others saw no wrong in eating meat and ate freely. A similar problem arose over the observance of days, v.5. To help correct the problem Paul instructed, "Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him." Paul was telling the two who were squabbling over the eating of meat to be at peace with one another and for each to have a good attitude toward the other because both the meat-eater and the non-meat-eater had been "received" by God. How could this be? Paul answers, "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink," v.17. In other words, whether we eat meat or not is no part of God's plan of salvation for lost sinners. God looks with neither favor nor disfavor upon the meat-eater or the non-meat-eater, as such. It is entirely a matter of indifference . The Christian is free to choose as to what he does in such matters. However, Paul warns the meat-eater not to use his right to eat meat in such a way as to offend his brother and put a stumbling block before him that would cause him to sin.

Each of the problems dealt with in Romans 14 is a matter of indifference. They can be done or left undone as far as God is concerned. Those involved should respect the feelings of others and show tolerance, patience, kindness and forbearance in such matters.