Building Others Up

In this second half of Romans 14, Paul transitions from the theme of accepting others to a practical call to live in such a way that we actively build others up. This passage emphasizes the responsibility of believers to live for the good of others, not to hinder or cause them to stumble in their faith. The underlying theme is love and consideration for others, focusing on unity in the body of Christ, and taking care not to cause division over personal freedoms.

Let’s break this section down into clear, practical steps for us as Christians, learning how to build others up in faith and love.

1. The Call to Stop Judging One Another (Romans 14:13-15)

Romans 14:13–15 ESV

13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died.

The first command in this section is clear: stop judging one another. Instead of engaging in destructive criticism over matters of personal preference, we are to build others up by considering their convictions. The weak believer, for example, may be grieved by certain freedoms that a more mature believer has. The mature believer is called to lay aside their rights for the sake of the weaker brother or sister. In essence, Paul is calling for a shift in focus: from self-justification to self-sacrifice for the benefit of others.

Matthew 7:1–5 ESV

1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

This passage from the Sermon on the Mount directly challenges believers on the need for self-awareness before judging others. Jesus emphasizes that we should not judge others until we have first examined our own faults.

2. Romans 2:1

Romans 2:1 ESV

1 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.

Paul reminds us that we are often guilty of the very same things we judge others for. It’s a call for self-reflection before pointing fingers at others.

James 4:11–12 ESV

11 Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12 There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

James points out that when we judge others, we are positioning ourselves as if we have the authority of God, who alone is the true judge. This reminds us to be cautious when passing judgment on others.

Galatians 6:1 ESV

1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Explanation: This verse highlights the responsibility of more mature believers to restore those who have stumbled in their faith, but it must be done with gentleness, not harsh judgment. This attitude fosters grace and builds others up rather than condemns them.

How do you discern when it is appropriate to give up a personal freedom for the sake of another believer? Can you think of a time when you had to do this in your own life?

2. Living for the Peace and Edification of Others (Romans 14:16-19)

Romans 14:16–19 ESV

16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

Paul emphasizes the kingdom of God and makes a critical point: it is not about external freedoms, but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. These qualities should mark the lives of believers and are more important than any temporary disputes over personal convictions. The church is called to pursue peace and edification for each other, not to engage in behaviors or speech that tear down.

In verse 18, Paul writes that those who live in this manner, seeking peace and building others up, are acceptable to God and approved by men. This is a high calling—being a peacemaker and encouraging others in their spiritual growth is a reflection of Christ’s love and grace.

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV

31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

This verse emphasizes that every action, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, should be done with the goal of glorifying God. It supports the idea that we are to live in a way that honors God in all things, including food and drink, as Paul addresses in Romans 14.

Colossians 3:17 ESV

17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Paul echoes a similar sentiment here, stating that all actions, whether in word or deed, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus. This reinforces the idea that our lives, including our choices on disputable matters like food and personal convictions, should be lived to honor Christ.

1 Peter 1:15–16 ESV

15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Peter reminds believers that their conduct should reflect the holiness of God. This passage supports the concept of honoring the Lord through all aspects of our lives, which includes making choices that align with God’s standards and living in a way that reflects His holiness, even in areas of personal conviction.

What are some practical ways we can pursue peace and mutual upbuilding within the body of Christ today, especially in areas where we might have differing opinions or convictions?

3. The Danger of Causing a Brother to Stumble (Romans 14:20-23)

Romans 14:20–23 ESV

20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.

Paul wraps up this section with an important warning: Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of personal freedom. In this context, the strong believer’s freedom to eat meat, for example, could cause a weaker believer to stumble. Here, Paul stresses that our freedoms must never come at the expense of another believer’s conscience. It’s better to forgo personal liberties if they could cause harm to a brother or sister.

The principle here is clear: we are not free to act in ways that harm the spiritual well-being of others. If a person has doubts about an action or behavior, it is sinful for them to engage in it. Paul concludes by saying that whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. This highlights the importance of acting in faith in all we do, ensuring our actions align with the conviction and leading of the Holy Spirit.

While Romans 14 focuses on accepting others and avoiding judgment in areas of personal conviction, the Bible does present cases where believers are instructed to make righteous judgments. Here’s a converse argument showing when it’s appropriate for believers to make judgments:

In what areas of your life do you struggle with personal freedom versus the good of others? How can we walk in faith in those areas and protect the consciences of others?

When is it Appropriate for a Believer to Judge?

1. Judging Within the Church (1 Corinthians 5:12-13)

1 Corinthians 5:12–13 ESV

12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? 13 God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”

In this passage, Paul makes a distinction between judging within the church and judging those outside the church. Believers are called to make judgments about moral and spiritual matters within the church, especially when someone is living in unrepentant sin. Paul emphasizes that church discipline is necessary to maintain purity within the body of Christ, and believers have the responsibility to judge and confront sin within the church, but God will judge those outside the faith.

2. Judging with Righteous Judgment (John 7:24)

John 7:24 ESV

24 Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”

Jesus instructs believers to judge, but with righteousness and according to the truth, not based on outward appearances. This type of judgment is grounded in wisdom and truth, focusing on discernment rather than condemnation. When judging, believers are called to ensure their judgment aligns with God’s word and character, not personal bias or superficial observations.

3. Judging Actions, Not Hearts (Matthew 7:15-20)

Matthew 7:16–17 ESV

16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.

Jesus encourages believers to judge by recognizing the fruit (actions) of a person’s life. While we cannot see the heart, we can evaluate actions, teachings, and behaviors. Judging someone’s actions based on the fruit they bear helps us discern who they truly are. This teaches us to make judgments that align with godly wisdom and not to be deceived by false appearances.

4. Judging Between Right and Wrong (Hebrews 5:14)

Hebrews 5:14 ESV

14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

Believers are encouraged to develop spiritual discernment, which is the ability to judge between what is right and wrong. This judgment is not about condemning others, but about discerning what aligns with God’s will and what does not. This type of judgment is necessary for spiritual growth and maturity, as it helps believers navigate life according to God’s moral standards.

5. Believers Will Judge Angels (1 Corinthians 6:2-3)

1 Corinthians 6:2–3 ESV

2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!

In this passage, Paul reminds believers that they will one day have the authority to judge angels, highlighting the significant role of believers in God’s ultimate plan of judgment. This points to the idea that believers, in Christ, are granted authority over not just earthly matters but also spiritual matters, including even judgment over angels in the future. While this judgment is not for the present, it demonstrates the elevated position believers will have in God’s kingdom and the responsibility to live in a way that reflects this future authority.

Summary:

While Romans 14 highlights a need for grace and patience in areas of personal conviction, the Bible also speaks to the importance of making righteous judgments in several key areas:

1. Church Discipline: Believers are called to make judgments about sin within the church (1 Corinthians 5:12-13).

2. Righteous Judgment: We are to judge not by outward appearances but with righteous discernment (John 7:24).

3. Actions, Not Hearts: We are to evaluate actions, not judge the hearts of others (Matthew 7:15-20).

4. Discernment Between Good and Evil: Believers are encouraged to grow in spiritual discernment to distinguish right from wrong (Hebrews 5:14).

Building others up requires us to rise above the temporal and focus on the eternal. As we move through Romans 14:13-23, Paul challenges us to examine how our actions, words, and freedoms affect others. Are we contributing to the unity and edification of the church? Are we walking in grace, love, and humility? These are essential questions for us to reflect on, as our lives in Christ are meant to be an example of sacrifice and service to others.