Finishing up Romans 14:
So, since it may grieve Salad guy and perhaps cause him to judge or act contrary to his conscience, Hamburger guy takes this into consideration:
In conclusion, Hamburger guy can enjoy his meat and possibly a glass of bubbly at home and give thanks to God for this meal. He doesn't have to convince Salad guy that it is okay or belittle his "weakness". For the sake of his brother, he will sacrifice his desires when the situation arises.
Salad guy can gives thanks for his abstaining of meat and give thanks for his meal, too. He mustn't be persnickety if he drops by Hamburger guy's house unexpectedly and sees the ground round in the fridge, though.
13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.If invited to go out to dinner with Salad Guy, Hamburger Guy would show his charitableness by passing by the double-whopper and going for some lighter fare.
14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.Hamburger guy knows that there is nothing unclean about his desired meal. Salad guy is not so sure.
So, since it may grieve Salad guy and perhaps cause him to judge or act contrary to his conscience, Hamburger guy takes this into consideration:
15But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
Don't give anyone the opportunity, if possible, to be concerned about what you deem a thing to give thanks for.16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
The kingdom of God (not the earthly kingdom...which is to come) but the spiritual kingdom of believers is not about physical things but enjoying peace and our new life in the Spirit.17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Be at peace with your brothers and sisters in the Lord and don't do the things that you know may cause contention.18For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
20For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.All things (food and drink-wise) are now allowable, but if Salad guy goes against his conscience and eats the burger feeling that it is wrong to do so, then he has caused himself a crisis of conscience, which Paul considers a sin.
21It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
22Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
23And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
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In conclusion, Hamburger guy can enjoy his meat and possibly a glass of bubbly at home and give thanks to God for this meal. He doesn't have to convince Salad guy that it is okay or belittle his "weakness". For the sake of his brother, he will sacrifice his desires when the situation arises.
Salad guy can gives thanks for his abstaining of meat and give thanks for his meal, too. He mustn't be persnickety if he drops by Hamburger guy's house unexpectedly and sees the ground round in the fridge, though.
Hi Ma,
ReplyDeleteI wonder how that works for a non-Christian who considers him/herself a Christian, such as an SDA?
I work with an SDA who thinks him/herself to be more righteous for the not eating, but doesn't say anything to others who choose to eat whatever we want, so we all "do our own thing" and when we have a potluck, we don't include ham and shellfish into the mix of stuff we bring.
What about those who think they truly do something for God when they force others to do it their way, and are not Christian?
....?
Wow, that's a good question Susan:)
ReplyDeleteThis passage immediately came to mind:
1Cor 10
24Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.
25Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake:
26For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.
27If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake.
28But if any man say unto you, this is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:
29Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?
30For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
31Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
32Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
33Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
esp verse 32 as he mentions three groups of people...the jews, the gentiles, and the church. He seems to be making the point not to offend (with food) anyone so that unbelievers may see our conduct and possibly be won.
Hi Ma,
ReplyDeleteThanks :) as you can tell, it's still a problem area for me...having been "on the other side" of the problem, I tend to take my problem and turn it upside-down, by thinking that those with THAT problem need to be corrected, sheesh... Lord have mercy!
I really like your hamburger and salad guy examples! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteWow,you say your Hubby thought of this...brilliant!!! Blessings, Joanne
ReplyDelete