Not Ashamed (Week 34) Romans 14:13-23 “Stumbling Blocks”
If anyone causes one of these little ones — those who believe in Me — to stumble, it
would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they
were thrown into the sea. Mark 9:42 (NIV)
In Romans Chapter 14:1-12, we are commanded to accept those who are weaker in the faith.
Accept them and do not judge them. We are to do this, because they have been accepted by Christ, and
they will ultimately be judged by Christ. In verses 13-23, Paul adds to this teaching by saying that not
only are we to accept those who are weaker in the faith, but we are to do everything that we can to
strengthen and encourage them as well. This edification (building up) of those who are weak is to be
done, even if it comes at great expense to us. Although those of who are now free in Christ have come to
realize what a great freedom we have been given, that freedom does not give license to disregard the
feelings of those around us. In short, my freedom in Christ ends where others may become hurt because
of it. It is always the responsibility of the child of God to “love first”, before anything else. We live in a
world that is bent upon divisiveness these days. But The Bible has commanded us to love, to put the
needs of others ahead of our own, and to weigh our every decision against the effects that it would have
upon those around us. This does not come natural for the “sensual man”, but it should be to the spiritual
one.
Accept them and do not judge them. We are to do this, because they have been accepted by Christ, and
they will ultimately be judged by Christ. In verses 13-23, Paul adds to this teaching by saying that not
only are we to accept those who are weaker in the faith, but we are to do everything that we can to
strengthen and encourage them as well. This edification (building up) of those who are weak is to be
done, even if it comes at great expense to us. Although those of who are now free in Christ have come to
realize what a great freedom we have been given, that freedom does not give license to disregard the
feelings of those around us. In short, my freedom in Christ ends where others may become hurt because
of it. It is always the responsibility of the child of God to “love first”, before anything else. We live in a
world that is bent upon divisiveness these days. But The Bible has commanded us to love, to put the
needs of others ahead of our own, and to weigh our every decision against the effects that it would have
upon those around us. This does not come natural for the “sensual man”, but it should be to the spiritual
one.