Romans 14:7 (NLT) For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves.
Paul’s letter to the Roman Christians had much to say by way of both instructions and reminders of their responsibilities in regard to the law, faith, salvation, and especially in living a life pleasing to God. Paul reminds the new Christians they do not live in isolation of humanity. This message is also a good reminder today. What you do in life (i.e., the choices you make) affect more than just yourself. Although you are free to choose as you wish, what you choose affects not only you, but your family and others as well. Paul reminds the early church that freedom to choose often means freedom to use restraint.
Apparently, it seems some of the early Christians believed their new-found freedom in Christ was a free pass to do whatever they believed to be right in their own interpretations. This caused conflict in the early church and it set a very negative relationship between the Jews who lived by strict rules and regulations, and the Christians who now felt they had no restrictions. Paul carefully responds to this disparity of thought, and tucked inside a message specifically addressing dietary differences between Jews and Gentiles, Paul has the following comments:
Romans 14:13-23 (NLT) excerpts 13So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. ... 19So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. ... 22You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God.
My heart tells me that although this passage initially addresses concerns about what was, and was not, lawful or right to eat during Paul’s time; there is still a message we need to hear today. Perhaps we need to realize that it is wiser to spend less time worrying about what our “rights” are, and more time considering how to promote peace with those around us. As Christians, we have both a responsibility and an obligation to encourage and lift up one another. Sometimes, it’s best to keep our thoughts and opinions to ourselves because God already knows what is on our hearts. Why stir up animosity? Doing so only leads to resentment. Our job is to lead others to the light of Christ through living responsible, peaceful lives; encouraging others whenever we have the opportunity.
Gracious Heavenly Father,
We live in a world concerned only with “what is right for me,” and sometimes we forget that our ultimate responsibility is to show your love to others. Help us lay aside those things that promote self and instead display those things in and through our lives that honor you. Thank you for the freedom you give us to use self-restraint.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com
Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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