Today's Scripture
Living Sacrifice – Romans 14:13-23
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: Romans 14-16(CEB)
13 So stop judging each other. Instead, this is what you should decide: never put a stumbling block or obstacle in the way of your brother or sister. 14 I know and I’m convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is wrong to eat in itself. But if someone thinks something is wrong to eat, it becomes wrong for that person. 15 If your brother or sister is upset by your food, you are no longer walking in love. Don’t let your food destroy someone for whom Christ died. 16 And don’t let something you consider to be good be criticized as wrong. 17 God’s kingdom isn’t about eating food and drinking but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.18 Whoever serves Christ this way pleases God and gets human approval.
19 So let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up. 20 Don’t destroy what God has done because of food. All food is acceptable, but it’s a bad thing if it trips someone else. 21 It’s a good thing not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything that trips your brother or sister. 22 Keep the belief that you have to yourself—it’s between you and God. People are blessed who don’t convict themselves by the things they approve. 23 But those who have doubts are convicted if they go ahead and eat, because they aren’t acting on the basis of faith. Everything that isn’t based on faith is sin.
What does this passage mean to me/us
Paul is addressing the division between the Jews, who believed that the Gentile believers needed to stop eating what they were used to and change their diet according to the Jewish law.
He offers the following solution to create peace.
Don’t judge. Consider other’s perspective. Focus on things that bring peace.
And remember “Keep the belief that you have to yourself—it’s between you and God.”
These seem to be a simple rule, but don’t we, so often, forget to follow these suggestions?
Prayer
Lord, help us to be peacemakers, instead of breakers. In Christ name, we pray, AMEN.
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