QT 02/07/2026 Thu Romans 14 Different Choices, Same Heart for God 选择不同，对神的爱相同

QT 02/07/2026 Thu Romans 14 Different Choices, Same Heart for God
READ https://www.esv.org/Romans+14/

Some Christians eat anything, some abstain. Some celebrate certain days, some don’t. Who’s right? Romans 14 reveals it’s not about being ‘right’—it’s about honouring God and loving your brother.

Romans 14 addresses a common challenge in the church: believers often differ in their convictions about matters that Scripture does not explicitly command or forbid. Some Christians feel free to participate in certain practices, while others abstain out of conscience. Yet Paul reminds us that both groups can be motivated by the same desire—to honour the Lord. What can we learn today?

(1) The Account Is to God, Not Your Brother

Paul presents examples of differing convictions. One believer eats all foods, while another abstains from certain foods. One esteems particular days, while another treats every day alike (Romans 14:2–6). In both cases, Paul does not condemn either position. Instead, he highlights the heart behind the action.

"The one who eats, eats in honour of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God... while the one who abstains, abstains in honour of the Lord and gives thanks to God" (Romans 14:6).

What unites these believers is not identical practice but shared devotion. Their actions flow from gratitude and worship toward God. Therefore, Paul warns against despising or judging one another. Each servant belongs to the Lord, and each will ultimately give an account to Him, not to fellow believers (Romans 14:4, 10–12).

When disagreements arise over secondary matters, our first question should not be, "Why doesn't my brother do what I do?" but rather, "Is he seeking to honour the Lord?" Thankfulness of heart toward Christ creates unity even where convictions differ.

(2) Freedom Must Be Balanced by Love

Christian liberty is precious, but it is never a licence for self-centredness. Paul therefore balances freedom with a call to love:

"Decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother" (Romans 14:13).

Even if a believer is free to eat certain foods, he must consider the effect of his actions on others. Paul asks believers to be sensitive when "your brother is grieved by what you eat" (Romans 14:15). Exercising freedom without regard for another's conscience can wound a fellow Christian for whom Christ died.

The guiding principle is faith. Believers should act with confidence before God, not with uncertainty or inner conflict. Paul concludes, "Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin" (Romans 14:23). Actions taken while doubting are inconsistent with the life of faith God calls us to live.

Therefore, mature believers are not merely concerned with what they are free to do. They are equally concerned with how their choices affect others. Love willingly limits liberty when necessary for the spiritual good of a brother or sister.

Reflection

• Do I judge fellow believers whose convictions differ from mine on secondary matters?
• Am I more concerned about defending my freedoms than building up my brothers and sisters?
• Are my choices motivated by faith, gratitude, and a desire to honour the Lord?

Prayer

Father, thank You that believers with different convictions can be united in Christ. Help me to remember that every Christian stands before You as their Master and Lord. Guard me from a judgmental spirit, and teach me to use my freedom with love and wisdom. May my actions always flow from faith and thanksgiving, and may I seek the spiritual good of others as I honour You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

QT 02/07/2026 星期四。罗马书14 选择不同，对神的爱相同
阅读 http://m.bbintl.org/bible/ncv/rom/14/

有些基督徒什么都吃，有些则禁食。有些人庆祝某些日子，有些人则不。谁是对的？《罗马书》14章揭示，这并不是关于谁“对”的问题——而是关于尊荣神和爱弟兄。

罗马书14章探讨了教会中一个常见的挑战：信徒在圣经未明确吩咐或禁止的事上，往往持有不同的信念。有些基督徒觉得可以自由地参与某些活动，而另一些人则出于良心而禁食。然而，保罗提醒我们，这两类人的动机可能是一样的——都是为了尊荣主。今天我们可以学到什么？

(1) 向神交账，而非向弟兄

保罗列举了不同信念的例子。一位信徒凡物都吃，另一位则禁戒某些食物；有人看重特定的日子，另有人则视每一天都一样（罗马书14:2-6）。在这两种情况下，保罗都没有定任何一方的罪。相反，他强调了行为背后的心意。

“守日的人是为主守的，吃的人是为主吃的，因为他感谢　神；不吃的人是为主不吃，他也感谢　神”（罗马书14:6）。

这些信徒的凝聚力并非源于完全一致的实践，而是源于共同的虔诚。他们的行为源于对上帝的感恩与敬拜。因此，保罗告诫我们不要轻视或论断彼此。每位仆人都属于主，最终都要向祂交账，而非向其他信徒交账（罗马书 14:4, 10–12）。

当因次要事项产生分歧时，我们首先不该问：“为什么我的弟兄不照我这样做？”而该问：“他是否在寻求荣耀主？”对基督心怀感恩，即使信念不同，也能带来合一。

(2) 自由必须以爱为平衡

基督徒的自由是宝贵的，但绝不是自我中心的借口。因此，保罗在强调自由的同时，也呼吁以爱为平衡：

“所以，我们不要再彼此批评了；倒要立定主意，决不作绊倒弟兄或使他跌倒的事”（罗马书 14:13）。

即使信徒有权吃某些食物，也必须考虑自己的行为对他人产生的影响。保罗劝勉信徒，当“你所吃的叫弟兄忧愁”时，要体贴他人（罗马书 14:15）。若行使自由时不顾及他人的良心，便会伤害那位基督曾为之舍命的弟兄。

指导原则是信心。信徒应当在神面前满有确据地行事，而非带着不确定或内心的冲突。保罗总结道：“凡不是出于信心的，都是罪”（罗马书 14:23）。在怀疑中采取的行动，与神呼召我们所活出的信心生活是不相符的。

因此，成熟的信徒不仅关注自己可以自由做些什么，同样也关注自己的选择会如何影响他人。为了弟兄姐妹的属灵益处，爱会甘愿在必要时限制自由。

反思

• 我是否会因在次要问题上与我信念不同而论断其他信徒？
• 我是否更关注捍卫自己的自由，而非造就弟兄姐妹？
• 我的选择是否出于信心、感恩以及荣耀主的愿望？

祷告

天父，感谢祢，使持不同信念的信徒能在基督里合一。求祢帮助我记住，每位基督徒都站在祢——他们的主和救主——面前。求祢保守我免于论断的心态，教导我以爱心和智慧运用自由。愿我的行为总是源于信心与感恩，愿我在尊荣祢的同时，也寻求他人的属灵益处。奉耶稣的名祷告，阿们。