Blog 14 - When Christians Disagree

 

When Christians Disagree

Read:

• Romans 14

Disagreements are a natural part of life. Everyone is going to have disagreements at some point in life. Imagine you are a part of a sports team, and everyone has a different idea on how to win. Some players think it’s best to play aggressively and take big risks, while others prefer a careful, defence-focused strategy. Each approach has its strengths, but if everyone insists on their way without considering the team, it could lead to chaos on the field. In the body of Christ, we face similar challenges: differing opinions and approaches can either divide us or make us stronger, depending on how we handle them. In Romans 14, Paul addresses these differences, urging believers to prioritize unity over personal preferences.

Back in Rome, the early believers were divided over issues like special diets and observance of holy days. Some thought it was sinful to eat meat, so they only ate vegetables, while others believed it was wrong not to observe the Jewish holy days. If these believers had kept their convictions personal, there would have been no problem. But instead, they started judging and criticizing each other, creating divisions within the Body of Christ. We see this today in various church denominations and even in smaller disagreements within congregations. In Romans 14, Paul explains how we can still have unity in the church while respectfully disagreeing on non-essential matters.

The Call to Unity (Verse 1-13)          

Paul begins Romans 14 by urging those who are “strong in faith” to welcome those who are “weak in faith” (v1). The strong are believers who understand their freedom in Christ and aren’t bound by rules about diets or holy days, while the weak feel obligated to follow these practices. Many assume Christianity is about following rules, but when we receive Jesus, we gain freedom. The problem in Rome was that weak believers were judging the strong, and the strong were dismissing the weak, much like divisions we see in churches today. But Paul calls us to welcome one another because God has welcomed us (v3). Since God accepts us despite our differences, we must do the same for one another. As St. Augustine said, “In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”

From verses 5-9, Paul uses the word “Lord” eight times, emphasizing that everything we do should be for the Lord. We belong to Him, and our focus should be on glorifying God, not enforcing our own opinions (v5-8). Divisions in the church often arise when believers fail to let Christ be Lord of their lives. As Warren Wiersbe puts it, “The church is divided because Christians will not allow Jesus to be Lord.” Instead of criticizing each other, we should first seek God in prayer.

Paul reminds us in verse 10 that God is the ultimate judge. Quoting Isaiah 45:23 in verse 11, he declares, “Every knee will bow, every tongue will confess to God.” This reminds us that we’ll each give an account to God, not for others, but for ourselves (v12). With this in mind, we should avoid judging others over minor disagreements and focus on building each other up in faith. The key isn’t who is right about nonessential issues, but where our hearts are. Let’s aim to glorify God above all else, even when we disagree.

The Role of Love and Humility (Verse 14-23)

Imagine a group hike. Some hikers choose a direct, rocky path, confident in their footing. Others take a slower, winding route, feeling safer. Both paths lead to the summit, but if one group insists their way is better, the journey turns into conflict rather than a shared adventure. In Romans 14:14-23, Paul addresses similar tensions within the church. While we have liberty in Christ, he reminds us that our freedom should never come at the expense of love or unity. Instead, we are called to prioritize the spiritual well-being of others over asserting our personal freedoms.

Paul states in verse 14 that nothing is unclean in itself. However, if someone believes something is wrong, it becomes a matter of conscience for them. As Christians, we shouldn’t criticize or accuse others over such issues but instead act in love. Our Christian liberty is not for selfish gain but for seeking what pleases God and builds others up. Today, this principle might apply to topics like drinking alcohol or celebrating certain holidays. We must ensure our actions don’t harm another believer’s faith or create unnecessary conflict.

Paul shifts the focus in verse 17, reminding us that the kingdom of God isn’t about temporary things like food but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Our goal should be to build others up in faith (v19) and reflect God’s love through unity. When we prioritize eternal values, we demonstrate Christ’s character to the world.

In his final warning, Paul urges believers not to destroy God’s work over disagreements (v20). Instead of causing division, we should ask ourselves: “Am I building others up in faith or tearing them down?” By putting love first, we reflect Christ’s heart and strengthen His Body, fostering unity in the church.

Dear Lord, in a world full of division, help us be united through your love for us. Help us display this love towards other and not tear each other down. Let us do everything we do in your name. Amen

Going Deeper Questions

1. Verses 1-3 talks about welcoming those with differing convictions. How can you practice welcoming others in your church or community, even when their perspectives differ from yours?
2. Paul emphasizes in verses 5-8 that everything we do should be done for the Lord. How can this perspective help you navigate disagreements with other believers? What does it mean for Christ to truly be Lord over all areas of your life?
3. Verses 10-12 remind us that God is the ultimate judge. How does this truth change the way you approach disagreements with other believers?
4. Paul encourages us in verses 14-21 to prioritize love over personal freedom. Are there any areas in your life where asserting your freedom could cause another believer to stumble? How can you choose love and humility instead?
5. In verse 19, Paul says we should "pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding." How can you actively build up the faith of others in your church or community, even when you don't agree on everything?