Context No. 2457 of 4322 · Romans
Context · Reflection
Romans 14:22-26: in context
22Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who doesn’t judge himself in that which he approves. 23But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it isn’t of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin. 24Now to him who is able to establish you according to my Good News and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret through long ages, 25but now is revealed, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known for obedience of faith to all the nations; 26to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.
Paul is closing a long discussion about disputable matters, foods and days that some believers scruple over and others do not. His counsel has two edges. The faith you have, keep between yourself and God; blessed is the one who does not condemn himself in what he approves. And then a principle with a long reach: whatever is not from faith is sin.
Two things are asked of me at once. First, to act from conviction, not against a doubting conscience. If I cannot do a thing in faith, before God, with a clear heart, then for me it is sin, even if it would be fine for someone else. Second, to hold my own convictions humbly, between myself and God, rather than parading them or forcing them on my neighbor. The mature path is neither to violate my conscience nor to make my conscience the rule for everyone else. Both the pressure to conform and the urge to impose are set aside for something quieter: faith before God.
Am I acting against my own conscience to fit in, or forcing my personal convictions on others, instead of living by faith before God?
Sources
- Romans 14:22: Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who doesn't judge himself in that which he approves.
- Romans 14:23: But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it isn't of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin.
- Romans 14:5: Let each man be fully assured in his own mind.