Romans 14:1–4, 13–19

Bible Studies for Life
Director, Resource Center for Pastoral Excellence, Samford University

STICK WITH ACCEPTANCE

Romans 14:1–4, 13–19

The memory is still fresh in my mind after 20 years. We had young children and our evening mealtime mayhem was interrupted by the doorbell. Though the practice was beginning to fade, many churches still made visits to prospects without calling in advance. I was greeted by a young man who told me he was visiting in the neighborhood, inviting people to his church. He did not live in our neighborhood but I knew about his church. I did not tell him I was a minister at a church half a mile down the road from his.

He asked the usual questions including if I died that night, did I know for sure I would go to heaven. I told him I had that assurance, as I too was a Christian. He asked what church I attended. When I told him, his comment to me was, “You really don’t want to be going to that church. They don’t believe the Bible.”

His comment bothered me, as this certainly was not my experience of the good folk at our church. Plus who was he to decide whether or not our church believed the Bible? He did not attend our church. And why would another Christian use that approach to draw others to his or her church?

My dark side came out. I told him his description of our church was news to me and I really should know about something like that because I was one of the ministers at the church. As I recall, he did not have much more to say.

This Sunday’s lesson addresses the challenge of getting along with others who think differently from us. Paul has wise counsel to offer that can make a difference in our relationships.

Acceptance means we can accept a person whose opinions differ from ours. (1–4)

The Roman Church was a mix of both Jewish and Gentile cultures. The religious practices of Jews included regulations regarding food. Gentile converts typically had few qualms about the kinds of food that were permissible to eat. This created tension between Jewish believers who still observed dietary restrictions, especially about meat. One reason was that much of the meat was likely left over from pagan sacrifices. The tension was between the old religion of Judaism and the new religion of Christianity — living by the Law or by grace. Whose practice of faith was right and whose was wrong?

Things have not changed much over the centuries. This tension remains in the Church among sincere followers of Christ who think differently about important matters. Paul made it clear to the Roman Christians that doing the will of Christ trumped any tradition or long-standing religious practices.

Acceptance means we do nothing to cause the other person to stumble. (13–15)

Saint Augustine is attributed with the words, “In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, grace; in all things, love.” The Christian life means living in community with others with a focus not on one’s own will but on the will of Christ. What sincere follower of Christ does not understand the example He set by “emptying Himself” for the sake of others?

Jesus’ life was lived in consideration of others. Should we not also be mindful of others and how our words and deeds help or hurt their faith? The will of Christ is that we love one another. “Stop passing judgment on one another” (v. 13).

Acceptance means we do that which builds up the other person. (16–19)

Being right is such a little thing. Anyone who has been in an argument knows “winning” is not always a satisfying outcome. If being right means we do not demonstrate love, we are wrong and have failed to do the will of Christ.