Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome (Part 4): Romans 11–14

Arguing over the trivia of our religious rituals is not the way to go.

^{Romans 14:2-3} For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them.

That would solve the paleo vs vegan argument in a flash.

And, it’s more than just what we eat:

^{Romans 14:5} In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable.

So there you have it: Saturdays, Christmas, Easter and the like are no more holy than any other day. While the idea of a day that’s devoted to God is still a good thing in our busy, self-obsessed lives, we’re not to condemn anyone else for setting aside such a day, or not.

The reason is that we are enjoying God’s grace; we are not bound by the requirements of religious rituals. Life is more than what we eat, or wear, or which days we celebrate:

^{Romans 14:17-19}  For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

But it doesn’t gives as free reign to do what we want. We are indeed our brother’s keeper:

^{Romans 14:21-23} It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble ….  But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.