Bible Reading: Romans 14:1
What do you do when you think it is okay to do something but your friend disagrees? In Romans 14:1, Paul calls those things disputable matters saying, “Accept him whose faith is weak, without
passing judgment on disputable matters.” Disputable matters are things that God hasn’t said that we must do nor has He definitely said we must not do them. So how are we supposed to know whether or not they are right or wrong?
You may feel perfectly comfortable doing one of those disputable matters while your friend is convinced that it is wrong. For you, that activity is okay. However, for your friend it is sin. . If your friend gives in to the temptation to do some activity that he or she believes is wrong because he or she sees you doing it, you have caused your friend to sin. He or she sinned not because the activity was wrong, but because he or she couldn’t do it with a clear conscience.
What should you do if your friend is not comfortable participating in an activity that you personally don’t have a problem doing? God says that you should give up your right to do that thing so that you don’t tempt your friend into doing something that he or she isn’t 100% comfortable doing (Romans 14).
How do you react to disputable matters?
“Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God – even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” 1 Corinthians 10:32
Prayer: Heavenly Father, keep me from doing anything that might cause my friends to sin. In Jesus’ name. Amen.