Paul reminds us that we will not always agree on the finer details of how we live our lives. Here, he gives us an example of two Christians whom God has saved through Christ. One Christian believes that he should eat only vegetables. The other believes that he may eat anything.
Notice that Paul does not condemn either brother for his diet. He identifies one as weaker in faith and the other as stronger. But he is not treating this as an issue of sin. Paul has just commanded us to avoid sinful behavior, such as sensuality, quarreling, and jealousy. He has certainly not suggested that God’s moral law has somehow been discarded.
The question, then, is what happens when Christians disagree about matters on which God has not given a direct command. What happens when Scripture permits something, but a fellow believer’s conscience does not?
Paul addresses both sides.
For the weaker brother, the temptation is to add rules that God has not commanded and to judge those who understand their freedom differently. The brother who has scruples about eating meat should not condemn the one who believes he may eat it. He should not consider himself more holy or impose restrictions where Scripture has not imposed them.
On the other hand, the brother who believes he may eat anything must not look down on the one who eats only vegetables. He should not consider him less spiritual or less saved. Neither should he demand that the weaker brother abandon his convictions. If his brother’s conscience does not permit him to eat meat, he should not be pressured to act against that conscience.
Both brothers are commanded to welcome one another.
Again, this is not about excusing actual sin. Paul has already commanded us to put away the works of darkness. Here, he is addressing disagreements over matters of Christian liberty. We are to welcome one another, not for the purpose of arguing over our differences, but as fellow servants of God whom Christ has saved.
Paul asks, “Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another?” (Romans 14:4). If God has welcomed this brother into His family, who are we to reject him? Though we may disagree, we are one body. We should not think of ourselves more highly than we ought, and we should love one another. Both of these are commands Paul has already given us.
The renewed mind understands that God continues to reveal His truth to us as we grow in our understanding of His mercy and grace. No Christian understands every command of God or every freedom He has given us instantaneously. We are all growing in our understanding and obedience.
Because we are brothers and sisters, we should welcome one another and seek to build one another up. Christ has received us into the same family, and we should treat one another as beloved brothers and sisters.
-steve