Romans 14:14-15, Walkest Thou Not Charitably

Romans 14:14-15 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

The Apostle Paul is exhorting the believers to exercise forbearance concerning the differences in eating preferences and eating habits amongst them. No food is ceremonially unclean for the Jewish Christian. Let it not become a reason for disunity. His reason is that Christ died for such a weak one. As such, he is precious in God’s sight. Do not tear him down because he chooses not to eat meat.

This seemed such a petty matter as we assess the matter with a clear mind. However, the reality is that the contention is stark amongst them. I believe this is the reason for the Apostle Paul to use such strong words by a command to always exercise charity, “Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.” God accepts such weak one, do not despise and reject them. As Proverbs 18:19 states, “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.” Not deferring one to another on such matters weakens the bond of fellowship.

While we may not see conflicts pertaining to Jewish customs, we may see differences in general eating habits when believers go together for a meal. May charity be exercised so that the bond of unity be preserved. Amen.