READ: Rom. 14:10–13: For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. … Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.
Everyone must give account for his conduct. If that conduct proceeds from a limited understanding of Christian liberty with respect to fasting days and food laws, yet one serves the Lord in boldness and humility according to his best knowledge, then another must not assume the position of Christ, who will one day judge each according to what he has done.
But let the one who has spoken judgingly or contemptuously of his brother or sister realize that Christ will also render judgment about that.
Each of us shall give account to God (v.12). No one is excluded, not even the one who thinks he has done everything precisely according to prescription, nor the one who thought he had to pronounce judgment on another.
In verse 13 the application follows for showing neighborly love in the congregation. Paul addresses both weak and strong. Assuming that both groups desire to serve the Lord, it is to be condemned to harm one another solely because of differences that exist in practice.
It is not necessary for the congregation to have in all respects the same opinion when it comes to making practical choices or assessments.
If you do not wish to accept each other’s differences of opinion and press the matter to extremes, this may cause bitterness and/or estrangement in the other, even to the point that members leave the church. Do you then seek the preservation of the other or your own ambition? You may then become a stumbling block for the other, over which God’s judgment comes.
The Lord Jesus warns against this in Matt. 18: But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck (Matt. 18:6ff.).
What does Matt. 7:1–2 say about despising and judging another?
Singing: Ps. 112:2