Romans chapter 14

vs 1

This letter is framed in the context of acceptance. Disputes are not to be the norm - acceptance is.

vs 2

I want you to note, here, as you read - Paul makes it absolutely clear that this is not some matter in which the truth is not known! One man is strong in the faith, another is weak in the faith. This is not a muddy water. There is an obviously right answer.

vs 3

Please, for the love of all that is holy, read both halves of this verse. Everyone always concentrates on the first half - the strong not treating the weak with contempt. Perhaps that is because everyone believes they are strong. But there is a message here for the weak too, which means you have to be prepared to identify yourself as weak in the faith sometimes.

So, next time you are in one of these matters, look at yourself and the action you are showing? Are you treating someone with contempt? Then you're strong in the faith on this matter, so stop it. Are you judging them (what I would say is far more prevalent in our society)? Oh, look, you're actually weak.

vs 4

In fact, the message to those who are weak in the faith is that much more potent - a whole extra verse added to it, because judging each other is wrong! It is God who judges.

vs 5

Paul now moves to the question of conscience. Does this make this matter of sacred days an actual disputable issue? I would actually say not, but let's leave our judgment on it until a verse tells us particularly and clearly. The point of the moment is that Paul has brought in conscience.

vs 6

The point here being that whether you are strong or weak, your actions should bring glory to God. Even weak actions bring glory to God, because God glorifies himself through weakness.

vs 7

Although it's completely out of context, this verse instantly reminds me of suicide - when you die, your death never just affects you alone. Suicide is selfish.

Paul is using this concept far more broadly - all of our actions affect others. Globalisation circa 50AD.

vs 8

It's not just about our effect on each other, though. As Christians, we live and die for God. We must not forget the importance of our actions in reflecting God, and that God has a love for us that we should consider before we do stupid things.

vs 9

The resurrection is proof that God is God over the living and the dead. Death does not allow us to escape God, nor does it mean the end of his love.

vs 10

Our actions towards each other will be judged - but not by us. God will judge us for them.

vs 11

Little quote from Isaiah there to fill Paul's words with authority.

vs 12

We should remember that every time we do something, especially involving other members of the church - our lives are not our own. Our actions will be judged, because they do have consequences. Makes you think twice about buying sweatshop shoes, but it also should make you think twice before you wade into yet another foolish and stupid divisive argument.