Romans 14-15 “Resolving Tensions from Differing Views and Practices”

READ: Romans 14-15

Verses chosen for meditation: Romans 15:1-2

15 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. ² Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.

REFLECT

The start of chapter 15 is to be read in the context of chapter 14, where Paul addresses issues between two groups in the Christian community in Rome: the “strong” and the “weak”.

It is important to clarify what “strong” and “weak” mean in this context. Paul is not referring to a weakness in terms of lack of spiritual discipline or lack of moral character. Instead, it is a lack of assurance and confidence that one’s faith permits one to do certain things. So, when we picture a “weak” Christian in this context, it is not one who struggles with sin or easily succumbs to temptation, but one who is full of doubt and indecision. The “weak” do not lack self-control and discipline, but lack freedom of conscience.

The “strong” had developed an educated conscience, sharing Paul’s understanding of the gospel which transcends certain Jewish customs, and they rejoiced in their freedom in Christ. The “strong” however, are not superior or have moral high ground, and Paul is educating them on how they should regard the “weak”.

What’s the issue in Chapter 14? The first concerns diet. One person’s faith (strong) allows him to eat anything as his freedom in Christ sets him free from unnecessary scruples about food, but another (weak) eats only vegetables (Romans 14:2). This does not mean that eating vegetables only makes one “weak” in faith. One is “weak” because he chose to eat vegetables not due to being vegetarian or for health reasons, but because the only way to ensure he does not eat “unclean” meat is to totally abstain from it. Such a person does not yet have the faith to be convinced that God’s grace has freed him from such requirements of the law.

How should both groups regard one another? Those who eat everything (strong) must not treat with contempt those who do not. Those who abstain (weak) must not judge those who eat anything (Romans 14:3). Then there is the issue of observance of special days in Romans 14:5. One person considers one day more sacred than another (weak), and another considers all days alike (strong).

Paul’s concern here is not about who is right, but that everyone should be fully convinced in their own minds (Romans 14:5-6), exercising their convictions in honour of God. That means, whatever your conscience (weak or strong) believes is the proper way of practising your faith, do it that way in honour of God. Doing so otherwise against your conscience is a sin (Romans 14:23).

RELATE

Paul’s guidance is not only about diet and days, but applies for matters where the Bible is not explicitly clear about. Paul has his own personal opinions on these matters, but did not insist that everyone must agree with him, unlike what he did in the earlier chapters as those were essentials of the faith regarding the way to salvation.

Instead, his approach shows that matters like these are non-essentials of the faith. This does not mean they are not important (we must distinguish carefully), but lacking in them does not prevent our union with Christ, which is the essential. A quote attributed to St. Augustine describes Paul’s approach well: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity”.

As Christians, we cannot compromise on the essentials (e.g. believing in the resurrection, and that Jesus is Lord) and should stand united in that belief. In the non-essentials, there is liberty, meaning room for differences. We don’t judge one another’s different views in non-essentials and can still commune amicably despite such differences. Then in how we handle everything, it should be done with love and not self-pleasing.

We need such discernment today, so that we do not elevate non-essentials to the level of the essential and make them conditions for fellowship, for faithfulness, or worse, for salvation! Neither must we trivialise non-essentials as if they are only cultural and not important theologically or morally. Here, Paul strikes the right balance.

Paul cautioned the “strong” not to stumble the “weak” (Romans 14:20-21), but to bear their failings and build them up (Romans 15:1-2). What do those words mean? The word “bear” in v1 does not mean to endure or tolerate, but rather to carry and support. Building them up then entails educating in love which leads to strengthening of their consciences.

The “strong” have the freedom to do certain things their faith permits and it’s not wrong, but exercising that freedom in front of the “weak” confuses and distresses them, as they see something they disapprove. Others may follow the example of the “strong” because they may be respected figures, but they do it against their conscience. If so, then the “strong” are not building the “weak” up in love, but exercising their freedom for self-enjoyment at the expense of stumbling the “weak”.

The example is clear in Romans 14:14-23, but let’s look at another relatable example, like drinking of alcohol. There are some who are not sure if drinking alcohol is permitted in our faith. Others think it is not wrong but that it should be discouraged, citing potential drunkenness. Then there may be some who think that drinking alcohol is a sin. We see different people having different consciences over this non-essential.

Then some of the “strong” may enjoy alcohol and thank God for it, being assured that drinking alcohol is not wrong, if they consume appropriately and not get drunk. However, is it wise that this group exercise their freedom of drinking alcohol in front of the “weak”? What would the “weak” make of that scene? What if they become misguided, thinking that getting drunk is fine? Beyond strong or weak consciences, what if there are some struggling with a drinking addiction? Consuming alcohol in front of them, even if it’s within your freedom and right, would then tempt them.

God looks at the heart, more than the action. If one’s conscience tells them that drinking alcohol may not be right, yet follow the example of the "strong" and do it (even if it’s not wrong), then it is a sin. Because this person has not reached the stage of faith where he is fully convinced that it is alright to partake in alcohol. In his mind, consuming alcohol may not honour God, yet he still chose to do it. That is what makes it a sin, not so much whether the action is right or wrong, and the "strong" has caused the "weak" to sin.

Our freedom in Christ permits us to do certain things, having a clear conscience without any guilt feelings. That’s a blessing. But if we love our brothers and sisters who have yet to reach the same understanding of faith, we should limit exercising this freedom and right for our self-enjoyment. Romans 15:3 reminds us to follow the example of Christ. Instead of pleasing himself, Christ gave himself in service to others. He had the greatest right as God, but he did not use that right to his own advantage and enjoyment, but emptied himself and humbled himself to be a servant.

REST

Lord, I pray for the church to have discernment over non-essentials, and may our motivation be love for one another. Help us prioritise the gospel and unity as a Christian community, so that others may come to know of your love. May our ways not limit your love. Amen.

Chris Chong