Useful Bible Studies > Romans Commentary > chapter 14
Paul is not saying that it is wrong for a Christian to eat meat or to drink wine. Some Christians do these things and some do not. The Christian message is not a message about food and drink (14:17); it is about how people can have a right relationship with God. Therefore, it is possible for Christians to have different opinions about food, drink and many other matters (14:2-3).
However, there are circumstances where it is wrong for a Christian to eat meat or to drink wine (1 Corinthians 8:13).
No Christian who believes these things to be wrong should ever do these things (14:14). Rather, he should do what his conscience directs him to do (1 Corinthians 8:10-11). He must do what he believes to be right.
That Christian may be weak in his relationship with God (14:1). He is worrying about things that belong to this world. Perhaps he also seems weak in other matters, for example, his knowledge of the Bible. However, stronger Christians must not accuse him, and they must not deal cruelly with him. Instead, they must be kind to him, and show love to him. They must do nothing to damage the work of God in his life (14:15). Perhaps they too should choose not to eat meat or to drink wine, if that decision would help him (1 Corinthians 8:13).
Christians must not be selfish. One Christian may like wine and it seems to cause him no problems. However, we all know about the troubles that alcohol causes. Perhaps if that Christian decided not to drink wine, he could help other people to be stronger. That would be a wise and good decision for that Christian to make.
Next part: A lack of wisdom among Christians (Romans 14:22)
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