Romans 14:16-23

¹⁶ “Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; ¹⁷ for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. ¹⁸ For the one who serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and approved by other people. ¹⁹ So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. ²⁰ Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the person who eats and causes offense. ²¹ It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother or sister stumbles. ²² The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is the one who does not condemn himself in what he approves. ²³ But the one who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.”

Verse 16: Paul urges believers not to allow their freedom in Christ to be a cause for others to speak evil of them. While we have the liberty to partake in certain things, we should be mindful of how our actions may be perceived by others. It is important to exercise wisdom and consider the impact of our choices on the reputation of the gospel and the unity of the body of Christ.

Verse 17: Paul reminds us that the essence of the kingdom of God is not centered around external practices such as eating or drinking. Rather, it is about righteousness, peace, and joy that come from the Holy Spirit. The kingdom of God is about an internal reality that overflows into our daily lives.

Verse 18: When we prioritize righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, we are serving Christ in a way that is pleasing to God. Our actions and attitudes should reflect the character of Christ, and as a result, we may also receive the approval and acceptance of our fellow human beings. However, our ultimate aim should be to please God rather than seeking the approval of others.

Verse 19: Paul encourages believers to actively pursue peace and the building up of one another. Instead of engaging in disputes or causing division over disputable matters, we should strive to promote unity and harmony within the body of Christ. Our words and actions should be aimed at edifying and encouraging one another, fostering an environment of love and acceptance.

Verse 20: Paul emphasizes that while all food is clean in Christ, it is important to consider the impact of our choices on others. If our freedom in Christ causes someone else to stumble or go against their own convictions, it is better to abstain from certain things for the sake of love and unity. We should prioritize the well-being and spiritual growth of our fellow believers over our personal preferences.

Verse 21: Paul reiterates the importance of considering the spiritual well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ. If our actions, such as eating meat or drinking wine, become a stumbling block for others, it is better to refrain from those things. Love and concern for one another should guide our choices and actions.

Verse 22: Paul advises believers to keep their personal convictions about disputable matters between themselves and God. It is not necessary to impose our beliefs on others or engage in debates that may lead to condemnation or judgment. Instead, we should focus on our own relationship with God and seek His guidance in navigating these matters.

Verse 23: Paul highlights the importance of acting in faith and conviction. If someone has doubts about whether it is right to partake in certain things, and yet they do so anyway, their actions are not based on faith. Anything that is not done in faith is considered sin. Therefore, it is crucial to follow our own convictions and act in accordance with our faith in Christ.