Opinions. Romans 14:1-6 In observing believers for over seventy years as one of them myself, I am made aware of the fact that we are all "weak" in some areas of our lives. There are occasionally disputes between those who are strong in faith and those who are weak in faith. This is nothing new and this passage of scripture gives instructions as to how believers are to live Christian lives in unity with those who have differing opinions.
Our attitude toward each other as brothers and sisters in Christ should be to influence them for good even if we know they are trying to influence us to conform to their ideas and ways. Everyone in an assembly won’t agree on everything. We can choose to listen to and respect others as well as gladly accept them in spite of nonessential differences of one kind or another. Paul’s teaching to those in the assembly at Rome indicated to the strong in faith Gentiles who had been delivered from idolatry with a clear break, that they should accept the Jewish believers who were weak in the faith. They had previously been committed to Old Testament teaching and found it hard to not keep on doing the things they did that had been previously appropriate.
V.1. The strong did not adhere to nonessential prohibitions that were not specifically stated in the scriptures. They could do happily what their conscience allowed without a sense of guilt as long as it was consistent with the doctrine of the new covenant. The weak were troubled in their consciences by the things the strong allowed. To Jews, the feasts, the prohibitions of the Mosaic law and traditions were still important. Gentiles believed anything could be eaten; Jews didn’t. There is one overriding principle that was the answer to their differences. Unity between them was to be maintained. Brotherly love that considered the conscience of others is an essential issue.
V.2. There were those who came from idolatry and in spite of the deliverance from that bondage, had opinions based on that background. They believe that anything associated with idolatry in any way was not to be touched. The same was true of those who came from Judaism. One would avoid certain foods because it was used in idol worship. Another may not wear clothes of differing fabrics. Another may have days they will not do certain things, and still another has certain hours of the day they will not work. Some matters that relate to Christian living may be different in people.
V.3. So how do these divergent opinions affect the saints who gather in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ? We are to "receive" the person but not make the decision for him as to what he can or cannot do personally. By the teaching of the Word of God, he will be brought into the freedom of light and faith by experiencing not only the grace of God in salvation, but in the saints, who gladly receive him. There are commandments in the scripture that are timeless laws and are essential. Our fellowship is based on the word of God and the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ – not personal opinions.
V.4. One of the basic principles of conduct in the Christian life, is to not have a condemning attitude towards others. When we are "transformed by the renewing of our mind," there will not be conformity to the world. Every believer does not have the same knowledge or strength. There is a willingness on the part of new believers to follow the teaching of the Word of God because of their appreciation of the Lord. "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." When one is taught the truth of God, the Holy Spirit will reveal to one's own mind what the scriptures mean. One may come to understand all food can be eaten "if it be received with thanksgiving." Another may or may not think he should mix the fabrics of the clothes he wears. Each person is accountable to God for what they believe is right and what they do. Neither strong or weak has the right to pass judgment on others because the Lord is the Master of both.
V.5. Some, even today think the Sabbath is now Sunday even though Sabbath was and always is Saturday. No day is more holy in itself than any other day. There are certain things we do on the first day of the week that have been designated as opposed to other days. On that day we keep the Lord's Supper and also give a proportion of our weekly labor for the needs of others and the furtherance of the things of God. The law kept people in bondage to days, foods, forms and traditions.
V.6. The freedom we have in Christ allows us to walk as free people but not to pass our own judgment on others. That would put them into the bondage of my personal opinions. Immature faith may not have the spiritual strength to stand against pressures by outside influences when a person is a new believer. Strong faith may live above and beyond the practices of paganism or religion and not worry about things that are from the past, trivial or seem foolish. However, it is up to each one to consider how to not offend others and not make an issue of nonessential differences. I should remember the Lord is the only One who has full access to the inner reaches of one's mind. He alone can pass judgment on what comes from the "renewing of my mind."