(I wrote this several years ago. This paraphrase represents a careful study of this text and my attempt to paraphrase in such a way, not to replace the scriptures, but as a study tool to deliver the principles of this chapter in modern language. Feel free to compare this with the scripture [Romans 14])
1 With respect to differing beliefs on non-critical matters, do not dismiss the convictions of those Christians who you determine to have an immature faith. 2 It is inevitable that Christians will have differing convictions about what is morally right and wrong. 3 The Christians with opposing ideas on right and wrong must not belittle or think less of each other. 4 One Christian does not have the authority to judge another. God will give all Christians, at all maturity levels, the strength to endure.
5 All Christians should make every effort to have well-informed convictions and beliefs. 6-8 All personal convictions, no matter how conservative or liberal, are made so as to please God with our lives. 9 (This is why Christ died for you, so that you would live for Him. 10-12 Why do you continue to assume the role of God, and cast judgment on those who are His alone to judge. God will judge us individually at judgment day. That’s His job, not yours!) 13 Instead, make every effort to adjust your own behavior, so that you will not cause another Christian to follow you into an action that would violate his/her convictions. 14 Each of us must consult our own conscience to determine if something is permissible or forbidden. If someone’s conscience tells them, “this is wrong”, then, to that person, it’s immoral. 15 If you are with another Christian and you continue to do something that you know that he or she thinks is wrong but you think is permissible, then you are being selfish, and you are not showing love to that person. Do not let what you think is “OK”, cause damage to someone else’s conscience.
16 By the way, don’t let onlooking unbelievers see you bickering over these things and give them an excuse to think poorly toward Christians. 17-18 These issues have some importance, but are small in comparison to things like personal righteousness, peace among Christians, and the enjoyment of the Holy Spirit guiding your life. All these are pleasing to both God and other people.19 We are to place a high priority on doing the things that lead to peace and the building up of the body of Christ. 20-21 It would be better for you to give up all your Christian freedoms (things that you personally believe are “OK”), than to do anything that would cause another Christian to have a conflict in their spiritual convictions. 22 It is even better to keep your personal convictions to yourself, if arguing about those things causes division amongst fellow believers.
If you follow these guidelines, you will be admired by others, and even more, you will enjoy peace of mind so long as you establish convictions for yourself that cannot be condemned by your own conscience. 23 Here's the bottom line -- If you go ahead and do something that another Christian tells you is “OK”, but that thing violates your conscience, you have sinned. God would much rather you obey your conscience, because to Him, your conscience is a representation of your faith.
1 With respect to differing beliefs on non-critical matters, do not dismiss the convictions of those Christians who you determine to have an immature faith. 2 It is inevitable that Christians will have differing convictions about what is morally right and wrong. 3 The Christians with opposing ideas on right and wrong must not belittle or think less of each other. 4 One Christian does not have the authority to judge another. God will give all Christians, at all maturity levels, the strength to endure.
5 All Christians should make every effort to have well-informed convictions and beliefs. 6-8 All personal convictions, no matter how conservative or liberal, are made so as to please God with our lives. 9 (This is why Christ died for you, so that you would live for Him. 10-12 Why do you continue to assume the role of God, and cast judgment on those who are His alone to judge. God will judge us individually at judgment day. That’s His job, not yours!) 13 Instead, make every effort to adjust your own behavior, so that you will not cause another Christian to follow you into an action that would violate his/her convictions. 14 Each of us must consult our own conscience to determine if something is permissible or forbidden. If someone’s conscience tells them, “this is wrong”, then, to that person, it’s immoral. 15 If you are with another Christian and you continue to do something that you know that he or she thinks is wrong but you think is permissible, then you are being selfish, and you are not showing love to that person. Do not let what you think is “OK”, cause damage to someone else’s conscience.
16 By the way, don’t let onlooking unbelievers see you bickering over these things and give them an excuse to think poorly toward Christians. 17-18 These issues have some importance, but are small in comparison to things like personal righteousness, peace among Christians, and the enjoyment of the Holy Spirit guiding your life. All these are pleasing to both God and other people.19 We are to place a high priority on doing the things that lead to peace and the building up of the body of Christ. 20-21 It would be better for you to give up all your Christian freedoms (things that you personally believe are “OK”), than to do anything that would cause another Christian to have a conflict in their spiritual convictions. 22 It is even better to keep your personal convictions to yourself, if arguing about those things causes division amongst fellow believers.
If you follow these guidelines, you will be admired by others, and even more, you will enjoy peace of mind so long as you establish convictions for yourself that cannot be condemned by your own conscience. 23 Here's the bottom line -- If you go ahead and do something that another Christian tells you is “OK”, but that thing violates your conscience, you have sinned. God would much rather you obey your conscience, because to Him, your conscience is a representation of your faith.
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