APRIL 22, 2026 – MUTUAL EDIFICATION

READ: Rom. 14:19–23: Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. … Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. … For whatever is not from faith is sin.

The church is seen as a house that is being built. The members are the living stones of that house, while Christ is the foundation (1 Pet. 2:4; Eph. 2:20). Let the members not break down the church as God’s building.

As a strong one you must not only refrain from judging a weak one, but also must not entice that weak one to eat something he himself considers sinful. Then you give him offense and cause him to stumble.

This therefore requires a considerable sacrifice on the part of the strong for the sake of the weak. As a strong one you may retain your conviction on this point that you may eat all things, but you must keep that to yourself without provoking or enticing the other (v.22). If you act from faith, you will not have to reproach yourself in this way. This applies both to the weak and to the strong.

It is different with someone who does not act from faith. He doubts whether he may eat, and yet does so. In verse 5 Paul already writes: “Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.”

It is important that the believer in everything seeks to serve the Lord, to do what is pleasing to Him. Then it may be that with a good conscience he still makes a wrong choice, but his intention is to obey the Lord. And precisely that is in the eyes of the Lord the most important.

Again, this does not concern matters of doctrine or life about which God’s Word is clear, but about other choices you make in your life. If you do not do it from faith in order to please the Lord, it is sin. Then that deed is to be condemned. There remains, of course, the possibility to confess that sin and ask forgiveness for it.

What do you do when you doubt whether something is good or bad?

Singing: Ps. 19:5