More Than Food and Drink
Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. - Romans 14:1
Division today might not be about eating meat sacrificed to idols or observing holy days, but it still creeps in through things that in reality are small. One believer drinks coffee with their morning devotional, another thinks that’s too worldly. One family celebrates Christmas with joy, another avoids it altogether. One Christian feels free to watch certain movies, another is deeply convicted not to. Sound familiar?
Romans 14 invites us into a better way.
Paul is addressing real tension in the early church. Think about it… Jewish believers who were used to strict dietary laws and Sabbath observation are now worshipping side by side with Gentile believers who had none of that background. Naturally, judgment started to fly in both directions. The “strong” looked down on the “weak” for being legalistic. The “weak” judged the “strong” for being too free. Paul calls them - calls us - back to the gospel: Christ has received them. So should we.
Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Romans 14:4
Paul’s solution isn’t to flatten all differences. It’s to elevate love. He reminds us that what ultimately matters is not the food on your plate, but the motive in your heart. Not the day you observe, but the One you serve.
For the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17
Keep in mind, Paul isn’t talking about clear biblical commands - those are not up for debate. He’s talking about disputable matters, areas of Christian liberty where Scripture doesn’t explicitly forbid or require. And in those areas, we are to walk in love, not judgment. To build up, not tear down. Why? Because Jesus died and rose again to be Lord over both the “strong” and the “weak” (vs. 9).
So, what does that look like today?
Maybe we don’t like someone’s political views
Maybe we disagree on how someone chooses to educate their children
Some prefer to lift your hands; others remain more reserved.
Some wear suits, others wear sandals.
If Paul were writing us today, I think he’d say something like this: Let each be fully convinced in their own mind. Do it as unto the Lord. And whatever you do - don’t divide over this.
Unity doesn’t mean uniformity. But it does mean humility. It means remembering that the people around you at church all belong to Jesus.
So, what’s the takeaway? Stop letting non-essentials become battle lines in the body of Christ. Start seeing fellow believers as family - imperfect, yes, but purchased with the same blood that saved each of us.
Before we criticize… before we draw conclusions stop and ask… Am I walking in love?
Ask: Am I building bridges or building walls?
Heavenly Father, help me to value what You value. Teach me to welcome those You’ve welcomed. Give me discernment where things are clear, and grace where things are gray. May my life be marked by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
