“…do what leads to peace…” Romans 14:19

All of Romans 14 deals with accepting and encouraging those within the body of faith – whether they display strong or weak faith. Paul made a case against legalism and the efforts some insist are necessary for their spiritual development, such as dietary restrictions (vv. 1 – 6). Believers were directed to stop passing judgment on others (v.13) and respect another’s faith practice – even though it may be different.

There are three other five word phrases that bear highlighting:

1.     “Who are you to judge…” (v.4a) – Paul reasoned with the Roman Christians that no-one owns the patent on Christianity, except Christ. What may be seen as right practice in one person’s eyes may be the wrong practice from another’s perspective.

2.     “…we belong to the Lord.” (v.8c) – Paul taught that in our living, we live to the Lord, and in our dying we die to the Lord. No-one lives to himself… there are no Lone Rangers in Christ’s Kingdom.

3.     “…let us stop passing judgment…” (v.13) – Again, Paul brought a rational line of thought before Believers, stating all would stand before God in judgment (vv. 9 – 12).

Asserting that God’s Kingdom was not concerned with matters of eating and drinking. Paul wrote that righteousness, peace, and joy in the life of Faith-walkers are the things that please God (v.17). Paul concluded this portion of his letter with these words:

“Let us therefore make every effort to DO WHAT LEADS TO PEACE and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.” (vv. 19 – 21)

Though we do not live to please others, we must be conscious of those things which may cause another Believer to stumble. Believers should be cautious about public consumption of alcohol, overeating, and even declaring one day more sacred than another! It seems Paul extended grace far more than judgment toward others, and we should as well. He wisely advised that whatever one believes about food, drink, and sacred days should be kept between God and oneself – without judging others for having different thoughts on the matter. By practicing this wise counsel, Believers DO WHAT LEADS TO PEACE.

Let’s be peacemakers. Have a blessed day…