Romans 14:22-26: a reflection

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.

As Paul concludes his discussion of matters where believers differ, he gives a principle about acting in faith: The faith you have, keep between yourself and God. Happy is he who doesn't condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it isn't of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin. Paul's point is that we are to act from faith and a clear conscience before God; to act against our conscience, doing what we doubt is right, is sin, even if the thing itself is permitted. What is not done from faith and a clear conscience is sin.

Notice the principle: act from faith and a clear conscience, for whatever is not of faith is sin. Paul is not saying the thing itself is always wrong; he is saying that to do it while doubting, against one's conscience, is sin. We are to act from faith, with a clear conscience before God, not against our own conscience. To do what we doubt is right, violating our conscience, is sin, whatever the thing itself; for whatever is not done from faith and conviction is sin. The clear conscience before God, acting from faith, is what matters.

That principle is worth taking to heart, for we can be tempted to act against our conscience, doing what we doubt is right. We can go along with what we are unsure of, act against our own conscience, do what we doubt is right because others do it or it seems convenient; but Paul says whatever is not of faith is sin. Do not act against your conscience, doing what you doubt is right; act from faith and a clear conscience before God, for whatever is not done from faith is sin. Keep a clear conscience before God in what you do, acting from faith and conviction rather than against your own conscience, as Paul teaches that whatever is not of faith is sin; let your actions flow from faith and a clear conscience before God, rather than doing what you doubt is right and so condemning yourself in what you do.

Lord, as Paul concludes his discussion of matters where believers differ, he gives a principle about acting in faith: the faith you have, keep between yourself and God. Happy is he who doesn't condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it isn't of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin. Paul's point is that I am to act from faith and a clear conscience before you; to act against my conscience, doing what I doubt is right, is sin, even if the thing itself is permitted. Show me the principle: act from faith and a clear conscience, for whatever is not of faith is sin. Paul is not saying the thing itself is always wrong; he is saying that to do it while doubting, against my conscience, is sin. I am to act from faith, with a clear conscience before you, not against my own conscience. The clear conscience before you, acting from faith, is what matters. Take that principle to my heart, for I can be tempted to act against my conscience, doing what I doubt is right. I can go along with what I am unsure of, act against my own conscience, because others do it or it seems convenient; but Paul says whatever is not of faith is sin. Keep me from acting against my conscience, doing what I doubt is right; help me act from faith and a clear conscience before you, Lord, for whatever is not done from faith is sin. Help me keep a clear conscience before you in what I do, acting from faith and conviction.