“But you who eat vegetables only—why do you judge your brother or sister? And you who eat everything—why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will give praise to God.” Therefore, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore we must not pass judgment on one another, but rather determine never to place an obstacle or a trap before a brother or sister. I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean in itself; still, it is unclean to the one who considers it unclean. For if your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy by your food someone for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what you consider good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God does not consist of food and drink, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. For the one who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by people.” Romans 14:10-18 NET
The central message of the verses above extends well beyond
dietary choices; it highlights the fundamental principle of living in love in
all aspects of life. We need to remain aware that our standing
comes from the righteousness of Jesus Christ, rather than relying on our own
self-righteousness or personal standards. Jesus’ sacrifice encompasses
everyone, including those who may hold differing practices, such as those whose
faith leads them to choose a vegetarian lifestyle or those who designate
certain days as more sacred than others.
Every one of us has a rightful place at God’s table,
reflecting His grace and inclusion. Therefore, it is our responsibility to
embrace and accept all individuals with open hearts, free from judgment or
criticism. We must be empowered by the unconditional love of Christ, allowing
it to guide our interactions and relationships. This will foster a community that
celebrates diversity in spiritual practices while nurturing unity in love.
*Paul quotes Isaiah 45:23, which asserts:
“I solemnly make this oath—what I
say is true and reliable: ‘Surely every knee will bow to me, every tongue will
solemnly affirm; they will say about me, “Yes, the Lord is a powerful
deliverer.”’” All who are angry at him will cower before him.”
In this profound passage, Paul addresses the importance of
unity among believers in Christ, highlighting the essential nature of mutual
love and understanding in our faith community. He is not seeking to create a
rift between those who engage in spiritual practices that may be perceived as
weak or overly cautious and those who advocate for absolute freedom in their
expressions of faith. Instead, he intends to guide our attention toward
the transformative power of Christ’s love, which unifies us all, transcending our individual practices and beliefs.
This divine love should be the cornerstone of our
interactions, inspiring us to cultivate relationships grounded in empathy and
support rather than focusing on our differences. It is vital to recognize that
any spiritual practice that draws a person closer to Jesus—be it through
prayer, scripture reading, worship, fasting, or communal gatherings—is an
invaluable practice worth celebrating. We should actively affirm and encourage
such practices; as we nurture the growth and flourishing of our brothers’ and
sisters’ faith journeys, we foster a vibrant community of
believers.
If deepening our connection with a fellow believer requires
us to adapt our behavior or participate in their spiritual practices while in
their company, we should approach this with a genuine and generous heart. The
ultimate aim is to create an environment where our fellow believers feel
secure, valued, and confident in their faith. By prioritizing encouragement and
acceptance over our individual opinions or preferences, we embody the love of
Christ, contributing to a cohesive and resilient community that reflects the
beauty and strength of our shared belief.
Through his profound understanding of the Gospel, Paul
recognized that the true power to save lies within the Gospel itself, not in
his own abilities or charisma. In another passage, as he addressed the diverse
community of Corinth, he articulated this truth with striking clarity and
conviction:
“For since I am free from all I
can make myself a slave to all, in order to gain even more people. To the Jews
I became like a Jew to gain the Jews. To those under the law I became like one
under the law (though I myself am not under the law) to gain those under the
law. To those free from the law I became like one free from the law (though I
am not free from God’s law but under the law of Christ) to gain those free from
the law. To the weak I became weak in order to gain the weak. I have become all
things to all people, so I may save some by all means. I do all
these things because of the Gospel, so I can participate in it.” 1
Corinthians 9:19-23 NET
In this powerful passage, Paul emphasizes his unwavering
commitment to connecting with a wide array of individuals by adapting his approach
while remaining true to his core beliefs. He perceives his purpose as a
mediator—someone who stands at the intersection between those for whom Christ
willingly sacrificed Himself and Christ, the ultimate source of redemption and
grace. This role ignites a passionate fire within him, propelling his mission
to spread the transformative message of the Gospel.
The Gospel embodies the extraordinary power of Christ to
become salvation to all who receive its message, breaking through cultural,
social, and economic barriers. Paul earnestly desires to serve as that vital
bridge, skillfully facilitating connections between Christ and people from
various backgrounds. He desires to draw many into the embrace of God’s
kingdom, where they can experience the profound freedom and life-altering love
that the Gospel offers. His dedication to this mission reflects his
deep devotion to Christ and his heartfelt longing to see others liberated
from the shackles of sin and welcomed into a vibrant, life-giving relationship
with their God.
In summary, the Apostle Paul paints a vivid picture of the
kingdom of God as a transformative realm defined by three profound qualities:
“righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Righteousness is not merely
a set of rules; it embodies an awareness that we stand in the righteousness of
Christ, where there is justice, integrity, and ethical behavior in all aspects
of our lives. Peace represents a deep and abiding sense of harmony—with
God, among ourselves, and our fellow brothers and sisters—that transcends
everyday conflicts and cultivates a spirit of unity and understanding in our
communities. Joy, enriched by the presence of the Holy Spirit, goes beyond
fleeting happiness; it is a profound inner delight that remains steadfast even
amid life’s challenges.
Paul emphasizes that “the one who serves Christ in this way
is both pleasing to God and is approved by people.” This suggests that living
out these values honors God and positively impacts our
relationships with others. Ultimately, isn’t that what we all desire? For
Christ to be everything in our lives, guiding our thoughts, actions, and
interactions so that we can truly reflect His love and truth in the world
around us!
Stephen Barnett
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