In case you haven’t noticed, Christians have a tendency to disagree on personal and corporate matters. I probably have some different convictions on personal matters than you do (e.g. movies, music, sports, alcohol, clothes, & Christmas trees). And you probably have different convictions on church matters than I do (e.g. songs, videos, preaching style, etc.). But does that mean we shouldn’t worship together or be close friends? No! If we agree on the essentials of the Christian faith, we should be friends and worshipers together. So what are the essentials? They can be summarized in the following statement: Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone for the glory of God alone as revealed in the Scriptures alone. If you and I both believe and are committed to that principle, we should be able to lovingly enjoy one another in Christian fellowship.
Romans 14 and 15 give Christians some really good principles for maintaining charitable and healthy relationships with fellow believers who don’t share the same convictions on specific matters of the faith. I’m writing this article to help you pursue peace and edification with your friends, especially when you differ in your convictions!
The Lord instructs us to exercise mutual love & acceptance within the body of Christ. However, we often have problems doing that. Four specific problem areas are: JUDGMENT – we judge others (14:1-12); OBSTACLES – we cause others to stumble (14:13-23); SELFISHNESS – we don’t consider others (15:1-6); RESISTANCE – we don’t accept others (15:7-13). So I would like to give you some principles and applications to combat these problem areas:
- JUDGMENT – “Strong” and “Weak” Christians should not condemn each other over questionable activities (i.e. activities that aren’t in the category of biblical essentials). Why?Because the Lord is the only one who has the right & ability to judge a believer’s condition and conduct.
- Principle: Don’t Condemn Other Christians.
- Applications: Don’t allow personal convictions to hinder your fellowship with people who love God. Be wise about whether or not to confront a fellow Christian about personal choices. Are you rebuking him/her about a sin or a matter of personal conviction? Don’t make a big deal about things that really aren’t a big deal. For instance, the Gospel is a big deal! Style of Christian music is not a big deal.
- OBSTACLE – “Strong” Christians should not insist on exercising their liberties around “Weak” Christians due to the possibility of spiritual harm. Why? Because such insistence violates the principle of love and concern for one another.
- Principle: Don’t be a stumbling block.
- Applications: Be considerate toward your brother who may be offended by your engagement in a certain activity. Just don’t participate in it. Harmony with him is more important than your right to participate in that activity. Remember: “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking…”
- SELFISHNESS – “Strong” Christians should graciously tolerate the tender consciences of “Weak” Christians for the unified worship of God. And every Christian should have a greater concern for others than for himself. Why? Because of the ultimate example of our Lord Jesus.
- Principle: Prioritize the needs of others.
- Applications: Leaders, remember that there is danger when people with the narrowest conscience rule the decisions of the Christian majority.
- RESISTANCE – “Strong” and “Weak” Christians should receive each other fully as equal members of the church. Why? Because God Himself has shown that He accepts both Jews and Gentiles as His people.
- Principle: Receive one another.
- Applications: No matter whether you are the offender or the offended person, seek to display the Spirit of Christ in dealing with the matter. The tone in which we deal with our differences should be encouraging and loving.
- The following principle is practiced by Christians who want to honor the spirit of Romans 14-15: On essentials UNITY, on non-essentials LIBERALITY, in all things CHARITY.
For the body of Christ to function well we must all individually apply Romans 14-15: Don’t condemn other Christians. Don’t be a stumbling block for weaker Christians. Prioritize the needs of others. Receive one another. Personal convictions are secondary to the spiritual welfare of the church, because the glory of God can only be manifested through the harmony of His people.
by Ryan Limbaugh