Boosting each other’s faith

Romans 14:13-23

¹³ So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

¹⁴ I know and am convinced on the authority of the Lord Jesus that no food, in and of itself, is wrong to eat. But if someone believes it is wrong, then for that person it is wrong. ¹⁵ And if another believer is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died. ¹⁶ Then you will not be criticized for doing something you believe is good. ¹⁷ For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. ¹⁸ If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. ¹⁹ So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

²⁰ Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. ²¹ It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. ²² You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right. ²³ But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.

No food or drink is wrong to partake of before God.  However if our eating, drinking or any other behaviour causes another believer to falter in their faith we need to reconsider our actions.  God’s word is clear that his kingdom is not about eating or drinking but peace, righteousness and joy in the Holy Spirit.  Christians are called to strengthen and boost one another’s faith not cause doubt, confusion and division.

It is a wonderful thing to have a clear conscience before God.  In fact, it is the way we are called to live – at peace with God.   If our actions cause another believer to have doubts or confusion as to their standing with God we need to curtail our behaviour.  It’s not a case of I’m ok before God with this you deal with it!  This passage of Scripture makes it clear that we are to encourage and edify believers not put them off.

Dear God, please forgive me when I put other believers off by my words or actions.  Help me to love and encourage your people.  Amen

Written by Ainslie Woods