Read: Romans 14:13-23; Matthew 18:6-7
Let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. (Rom. 14:19)
Tennis spectators turn their heads from one side of the court to the other in order to watch a match. Today’s Bible reading is a bit like a tennis match.
As we imagine Phoebe dramatically reading Paul’s letter (see May 3), we can imagine her turning from the Jewish believers in Jesus to the Gentile believers, as she turned from verses 1-12 to verses 13-23. Gentile believers in Jesus were right that all food was now acceptable. However, Jewish believers had experienced persecution, culture shock, and dizzying changes. In today’s reading, Paul asked the Gentile believers to consider the sensibilities of Jewish believers. The food may not have been prepared according to the laws of Moses, and the wine may have been used for sacrifices in the pagan temples. If Gentile believers flaunted their food liberty in front of Jewish believers, it could have caused them “to stumble” (v. 21). Paul emphasized that liberty is wonderful, but even greater is love for one another. Believers for whom Christ has died (v. 15) pursue that which leads to “mutual upbuilding” (v. 19).
Through the Holy Spirit, Paul looks at us too, calling us to turn from self to consider a fellow believer. Protestant Reformer Martin Luther put it well: “A Christian man is the most free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian man is a most dutiful servant of all, subject to all.”
As you pray, ask the Holy Spirit to soften your heart toward a fellow believer.
Kent Fry is a retired pastor and visiting research fellow at the Van Raalte Institute in Holland, Michigan. He and his wife, Joyce, are active members of Second Reformed Church in Zeeland, Michigan. Kent is an active cyclist, and he and Joyce enjoy time with their children and grandchildren.
