Note: for the best experience please pick-up this book to follow along.
Day 10: Handling Disputable Matters – Grace and Humility
In Romans 14, Paul addresses a crucial issue that every Christian community faces: how to deal with differences of opinion among believers. These are often referred to as “disputable matters”—issues where the Bible may not give explicit commands, or where believers may interpret Scripture differently. Paul’s guidance in this chapter is both practical and profoundly important: “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters” (Romans 14:1). He urges us to approach these situations with grace and humility, seeking unity rather than division.
What Are Disputable Matters?
Disputable matters are issues of personal conviction that don’t directly affect the core doctrines of the Christian faith. In Paul’s time, examples included whether Christians should eat meat sacrificed to idols or observe certain holy days (Romans 14:2-5). Today, we might find disputable matters in areas like:
- Worship styles (traditional vs. contemporary)
- Drinking alcohol in moderation
- Celebrating certain holidays
- Personal convictions about entertainment or dress
These matters, while important to individual believers, should not cause division in the church. They are not issues of salvation, and Christians may hold different opinions based on their backgrounds, cultures, or spiritual maturity.
Accept One Another Without Judging
Paul’s first instruction is to accept one another. This means we must resist the urge to judge or look down on those who hold different opinions. In Romans 14:3, Paul writes, “The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them.”
This is a powerful reminder that God accepts all believers, regardless of where they stand on disputable matters. If God has accepted them, who are we to reject or judge them? Our job is not to pass judgment but to live in harmony with one another, respecting each other’s personal convictions.
Live According to Your Own Convictions
While we are called to accept others, Paul also emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with our own convictions. In Romans 14:5, he says, “Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.” In other words, it’s okay to have strong beliefs about certain issues, as long as those beliefs are rooted in a desire to honor God.
It’s important to note, however, that these personal convictions should never lead us to force our views onto others. What may be right for one believer may not be right for another, and that’s okay. Paul’s point is that each person should be free to follow their own conscience while remaining humble and respectful of others who may think differently.
Do Not Be a Stumbling Block
While Paul encourages us to live according to our convictions, he also warns against using our freedom in a way that causes others to stumble. In Romans 14:13, he says, “Make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.” If our actions—though permissible for us—cause another believer to struggle or fall into sin, we should reconsider how we exercise our freedom.
For example, if a believer feels convicted that drinking alcohol is wrong, another believer who drinks in moderation should be careful not to flaunt their freedom in a way that might lead the other person to violate their conscience. Paul’s concern is for the spiritual health of the community. Love for one another should guide our decisions, not just our own sense of personal liberty.
Pursue Peace and Mutual Edification
Ultimately, Paul calls us to prioritize unity, peace, and mutual edification over winning arguments or proving a point. Romans 14:19 sums it up beautifully: “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” In disputable matters, we should be more concerned with building up the body of Christ than with being right.
This doesn’t mean we never discuss our differences—it means that when we do, we approach them with humility and a desire to maintain unity. Our goal should always be to encourage one another in the faith, not tear each other down.
How This Applies to Us Today
In today’s world, disagreements within the church can quickly escalate into division. Social media and other platforms can often intensify these disputes, turning differences of opinion into public debates. However, Romans 14 reminds us that grace and humility should define how we handle disputable matters.
Ask yourself: Are there areas where you have judged others or looked down on them because their convictions differ from yours? Are there ways you can be more mindful of how your actions affect the spiritual health of those around you? Unity in the body of Christ requires us to approach disagreements with a spirit of grace and love.
Reflection Questions:
- What are some disputable matters you’ve encountered in your faith community? How have you handled them?
- Are there areas where you have been tempted to judge others for holding different convictions? How can you practice more grace?
- How can you use your freedom in Christ to build others up rather than cause them to stumble?
Final Thought
Disputable matters will always exist in the church, but how we handle them is what truly matters. Paul’s call to accept one another, live according to our convictions, and avoid causing others to stumble is a roadmap for navigating these issues with grace and humility. As we continue in our study of Romans, let’s commit to fostering a spirit of unity, seeking peace and mutual edification in all that we do.