Day 47 - Romans 14 ("Acting in Love")

Introduction

As yesterday (Romans 13), so today, Paul give us direction and guidance for living as a Christ-follower - especially doing so in community.

What we read today can be seen in continuation with yesterday's main point: loving our neighbour as ourselves (Rom. 12:9).

Some of the matters addressed in Romans 13 include regarding certain days - or all days - as holy and sacred. The main issue, however, is about what to eat, especially when we share meals with other people.

In all these things, we are to bless and encourage the other, not discourage them or cause them to stumble - especially on matters of conscience.

Faith is the root of all of this and, as we read towards the end of the chapter, action that is not rooted in faith is sin.

Questions

1. This chapter has a lot to say about meals and eating food. Try to list a few of these principles.

2. In v. 8, what is said about "belonging" live or die?

3. What do we read about judgment in v. 10, as a reason not to "pass judgment on one another" in v. 13?

4. Given v. 15, what does it mean to "act in love" towards another person (especially towards a fellow believer)?

5. In v. 17, we find that the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking. Instead, it is a matter of what three attributes?

6. From v. 22, there is a sense that there may be some private and person matters that should be kept just between us and God. Explain this a little bit.

7. The final line of this chapter: "... and everything that does not come from faith is sin." What does this mean? If you can, make a cross-reference with Hebrews 11:6.

Reflection

It is interesting to find in v. 22 that, some matters of personal conscience, should be kept between you and God. The reason for this is, maybe counterintuitively, so we can benefit others (publicly).

In fact, the entire chapter considers community life. The basis, according to v. 19, is "[making] every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."

This means Christian gatherings and friendships should be characterized by peace. And, as we live this way, both parties are strengthened in their faith and in their resolve to serve God.

This is what it looks like when we are "acting in love." Often, for the sake of helping the other, we must forfeit something and/or sacrifice. This reminds us of Jesus, who sacrificed for us, in the most incredible way possible. Praise Him!