Let’s
not judge one another any more, but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block in his brother’s way, or an occasion for falling.
Romans 14:13
Romans 14 [12.] So then each one of us will give account of himself to God. Therefore let’s not judge one another any more, but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block in his brother’s way, or an occasion for falling. I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself; except that to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Yet if because of food your brother is grieved, you walk no longer in love. Don’t destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. Then don’t let your good be slandered, for God’s Kingdom is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then, let us follow after things which make for peace, and things by which we may build one another up. Don’t overthrow God’s work for food’s sake. All things indeed are clean, however it is evil for that man who creates a stumbling block by eating. It is good to not eat meat, drink wine, nor do anything by which your brother stumbles, is offended, or is made weak.
Meaning:
In this passage, the Apostle Paul addresses a key issue within the early Christian communities: the judgment and acceptance of one another, particularly concerning matters of personal conviction and practice.
- Diverse Practices in the Early Church:
Romans 14:1-12: Leading up to verse 13, Paul discusses how believers should handle differing opinions on disputable matters, such as dietary laws and the observance of special days. Some believers, especially those with a Jewish background, observed certain dietary restrictions and holy days, while Gentile believers did not.
Acceptance Over Judgment: Paul urges the church to accept one another without quarreling over these disputable matters, emphasizing that each person is accountable to God, not to human judgment.
- Unity and Love:
Focus on Unity: The broader message in Romans 14 is about maintaining unity within the body of Christ despite differences in personal convictions. Paul advocates for a community built on love and mutual respect.
Avoiding Division: He stresses that such judgments can lead to division and conflict, which undermine the church's witness and the individual's faith journey.
Significance:
- Ceasing Judgment:
Let’s Not Judge One Another: Paul explicitly calls for an end to mutual judgment among believers. This does not mean ignoring sin or moral wrongdoing, but rather refraining from condemning others for their personal convictions in matters that are not essential to the faith.
Focus on Self-Examination: Instead of judging others, believers are encouraged to examine their own behavior to ensure they are not causing harm or leading others into sin.
- Avoiding Stumbling Blocks:
Stumbling Block: A stumbling block refers to anything that might cause another believer to sin or falter in their faith. This could be actions, words, or attitudes that, while permissible for one, might lead another into confusion, doubt, or sin.
Responsibility to Others: Paul highlights the responsibility believers have towards one another. Our freedom in Christ should not become a source of temptation or stumbling for others who might have weaker faith or different convictions.
Theological Significance
- Christian Liberty:
Freedom in Christ: While believers have freedom in Christ, this freedom is not an excuse to act without regard for others. Christian liberty is to be exercised in love, with consideration for the impact on fellow believers.
Balancing Freedom and Responsibility: This verse teaches that true freedom includes the responsibility to love and protect the spiritual well-being of others in the community.
- Judgment Belongs to God:
Ultimate Accountability: Paul reiterates that each believer is ultimately accountable to God alone. Human judgment is limited and often flawed, whereas God’s judgment is perfect and just.
Humility and Grace: This understanding calls for humility and grace in how we relate to one another, recognizing our own limitations and the need for divine guidance.
Practical Applications
- Cultivating a Judgement-Free Community:
Promoting Acceptance: We should strive to create a community where acceptance and love prevail over judgment and division. This involves recognizing and respecting differing convictions and practices among fellow believers.
Fostering Unity: By focusing on what unites us—our faith in Christ—we can build stronger, more cohesive communities that reflect God’s love and grace.
- Being Mindful of Our Influence:
Consideration for Others: We must be mindful of how our actions and words affect others. Even if we feel free to do something, we should consider whether it might cause another believer to struggle or stumble.
Encouraging Growth: Instead of being a stumbling block, we should seek to encourage and support one another’s faith journeys, helping each other grow closer to God.
- Personal Reflection and Growth:
Self-Examination: Regularly examining our own hearts and motives can help us avoid causing harm to others. This involves seeking God’s guidance and being open to correction.
Living Out Love: Embracing the principle of love in all our interactions ensures that our freedom is exercised in a way that builds up rather than tears down.
Cross-References:
1 Corinthians 8:9: "But be careful that by no means does this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to the weak." Paul echoes the same concern in his letter to the Corinthians, urging them to be mindful of their liberty and its potential impact on others.
Matthew 7:1-2: "Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged. For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you." Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount underscores the call to refrain from judgment and focus on our own shortcomings.
Galatians 5:13-14: "For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don’t use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" Paul emphasizes that Christian freedom is to be expressed through loving service to one another, summarizing the law in the command to love our neighbor.
Conclusion: Romans 14:13 provides a crucial lesson for the Christian community: to cease judging one another over disputable matters and to focus instead on not causing others to stumble. Paul’s teaching calls us to exercise our freedom in Christ with love and consideration for others, promoting unity and mutual support within the body of Christ.
By understanding the importance of our influence and practicing self-examination, we can foster a community that reflects God’s love and grace. This approach not only strengthens our relationships with one another but also enhances our collective witness to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ’s love.
In practicing these principles, we follow the path of wisdom and compassion, ensuring that our actions build up rather than harm, and that our lives reflect the unity and love that Jesus prayed for His followers to embod
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible