Romans 14-3.1.22

Scripture

Romans 14:19 - Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

Observation

In Romans chapter 14, the church was quarreling over their opinions on issues like food, drink, and the observation of religious days. They each believed they were doing the right thing, but they were letting issues that aren’t fundamental to the Kingdom of God divide them. Paul tells them that the unity of the church is more important than resolving issues of opinion or exercising personal freedoms. In verse 16 he says, “If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died.”

Understanding

Joni Ragsdale showed me a great example of this concept this week. When a question was posed to a group of people, she said (paraphrased), I (have a certain right), but to avoid division, I have no problem giving up that right. Wow – that stopped me in my tracks. She was willing to give up her rights for the sake of others.

The ESV Reformation Study Bible says, “The strong are urged to weigh the importance of exercising their freedom against two considerations: (a) the use of their freedom may bring

division and disrepute on the church; (b) God’s kingdom (and therefore our freedom) is not a matter of food and drink, but of the blessings of grace.”

Life Application

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

Paul says (vs. 22), ““So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God (these things – things that are not essential to the Gospel).” In other words, mind your business!

God, please forgive me. In these current times of great division, I have been guilty of judging others about things that are not integral to God’s work based on my personal opinions. Let’s not let the division in our society divide us in the church. Let’s stop listening to FOX or CNN and listen to the BIBLE!

-Debbie Dunn