Romans 14 New International Version The Weak and t

Isaac Samuel Lubwama

Faithful Servant
Romans 14 New International Version
The Weak and the Strong
14 Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.
2 One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.
3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them.
4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.
5 One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.
6 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.
7 For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone.
8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.
10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.
11 It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’”
12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.
13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.
14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.
15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died.
16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil.
17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,
18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.
21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.
22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.
23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
 
We appreciate the passage you’ve shared from Romans 14, though we notice it is quoted from the New International Version (NIV) rather than the World English Bible (WEB). This chapter is a profound reminder of how we are to handle differences in convictions among believers, especially in matters that are not explicitly commanded or forbidden in Scripture. Let us reflect on this together in light of God’s Word, ensuring we remain grounded in truth while extending grace to one another.

The apostle Paul addresses a critical issue in the body of Christ: the tension between those with stronger faith and those with weaker consciences. The key principle here is unity in essentials, liberty in non-essentials, and charity in all things. We are not to quarrel over disputable matters—those things that Scripture does not explicitly condemn or command. For example, in Paul’s day, some believers felt convicted to eat only vegetables, while others saw no issue with eating meat. Similarly, some regarded certain days as more sacred than others, while others saw every day as alike. Paul’s instruction is clear: we are not to judge or despise one another over these differences. Instead, each believer should be fully convinced in their own mind, acting in faith and love toward God and one another.

Let’s turn to the World English Bible for clarity on these truths:

*"Now accept one who is weak in faith, but not for disputes over opinions. One man has faith to eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Don’t let him who eats despise him who doesn’t eat. Don’t let him who doesn’t eat judge him who eats, for God has accepted him. Who are you who judge another’s servant? To his own lord he stands or falls. Yes, he will be made to stand, for God has power to make him stand. One man esteems one day as more important. Another esteems every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks. He who doesn’t eat, to the Lord he doesn’t eat, and gives God thanks. For none of us lives to himself, and none dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord. Or if we die, we die to the Lord. If therefore we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died, rose, and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, ‘As I live,’ says the Lord, ‘to me every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess to God.’ So then each one of us will give account of himself to God. Therefore let’s not judge one another any more, but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block in his brother’s way, or an occasion for falling."* (Romans 14:1-13, WEB)

This passage calls us to a higher standard—one of love, humility, and deference to one another. Our focus should not be on asserting our own convictions but on ensuring that our actions do not cause another believer to stumble or doubt. The kingdom of God is not about what we eat or drink, but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17, WEB). When we prioritize these things, we reflect Christ to the world and build up the body of believers in love.

However, we must also be careful not to confuse *disputable matters* with clear biblical commands. For example, while the Bible does not command or forbid the eating of certain foods (outside of Old Testament ceremonial laws that are no longer binding on Christians), it *does* clearly address moral issues such as sexual immorality, idolatry, and ungodly relationships. In these areas, there is no room for debate—God’s Word is clear, and we must stand firm on His truth. Our liberty in Christ does not extend to sin or to redefining what Scripture explicitly teaches.

Let’s also remember that our freedom in Christ is not a license to do as we please but an opportunity to serve one another in love. As Paul says, *"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any"* (1 Corinthians 6:12, WEB). If our actions—even in things that are permissible—cause another believer to stumble, we are to refrain from those actions out of love for them.

Finally, we must always point one another back to the centrality of Jesus Christ. Our unity is found in Him, not in our personal convictions. It is only through His sacrifice that we are accepted by God, and it is by His grace that we are able to stand. Let us never forget that we will all give an account to God for how we have lived, and our primary concern should be to honor Him in all things.

---
Let us pray together over these truths:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for Your Word, which guides us in truth and love. Lord, we ask that You would help us to walk in unity with one another, especially in areas where we may disagree. Give us the wisdom to discern between disputable matters and the clear commands of Your Word. Teach us to extend grace to those whose consciences are weaker, and help us to never use our freedom in Christ as an opportunity for selfishness or pride.

Father, we pray that You would guard our hearts against judgment and contempt for one another. Remind us that we are all Your servants, and it is to You that we will give an account. May our lives be marked by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, so that we might build one another up in love. Help us to prioritize the eternal over the temporal, and to always seek Your glory above our own preferences.

Lord, we also ask that You would convict us when we stray from Your truth, especially in areas where Your Word is clear. Give us the courage to stand firm on Your commands while extending grace in areas of personal conviction. May our lives reflect the love of Christ, who gave Himself for us so that we might live for Him.

We ask all these things in the precious and mighty name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
 
We're reminded in Romans 14 that we're not to judge one another over disputable matters. Instead, we're to accept each other as we are, each convinced in our own minds. Let's strive to live in harmony, not causing others to stumble or fall. After all, we all belong to the Lord, whether we live or die. So, let's focus on what truly matters: love, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Let's pray for grace to do just that.
 
Lord, we pray for this prayer and family for blessings healing and salvation. Heal and bless. May their lives be a praise and glory unto thee.
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.

Some resources that might help.

Needs: - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(KJV)

Salvation: - So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household." Acts 16:31(NKJV)

Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)

Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(KJV)

Persecutions: - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28(KJV)

Help in Prayer

Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)

Pray that the Lord may open the eyes of the nations affected by coronavirus (Specifically forces against God’s people)

sermons

Be a Prayer Warrior: “Praying for others”
 
I prayed that God in Jesus' name will answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God Loves You. Thank You Jesus!!!

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.


🙏Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.

God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God solution focused heart, mind, spirit, and attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so
. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach.

Healed Spirit Soul And Body

 
We have continued to lift you up in prayer these past days, asking the Lord to grant you wisdom, unity, and a heart of grace as you navigate the tensions between conviction and liberty in Christ. The passage in Romans 14 is such a powerful reminder that our focus must remain on honoring the Lord in all things—whether in what we eat, how we observe days, or how we relate to one another—while extending patience and love to our brothers and sisters whose consciences may differ from our own.

We’ve prayed specifically that God would help you discern how to walk in freedom without causing stumbling, and how to uphold peace and mutual edification within the body of Christ. It’s not always easy to balance personal conviction with love for others, but we trust the Holy Spirit is guiding you into truth and humility as you seek to reflect Jesus in these relationships.

If the Lord has brought clarity, reconciliation, or a deeper sense of unity in this situation, we would love to rejoice with you in a praise report. If you’re still wrestling with these matters or facing ongoing challenges, please don’t hesitate to share an update so we can continue standing with you in prayer. Our hearts are with you as you seek to live out Romans 14:19, making every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification.

May the Lord bless you richly as you surrender these concerns to Him, trusting that He is faithful to lead you in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

We pray this in Jesus’ Name.
 

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