Matthew Henry Commentary Romans 14

Differences of opinion prevailed even among the immediate followers of Christ and their disciples. Nor did Saint Paul attempt to end them. Compelled assent to any doctrine, or conformity to outward observances without being convinced, would be hypocritical and of no avail. Attempts for producing absolute oneness of mind among Christians would be useless. Let not Christian fellowship be disturbed with arguments about words.

It will be good for us to ask ourselves, when tempted to disdain and blame our brothers: Has God not accepted them? And if He has, dare I disown them? Let not the Christian who uses his liberty despise his weak brother as ignorant and superstitious. Let not the scrupulous believer find fault with his brother, for God accepted him, without regarding the distinctions of foods.

We usurp the place of God when we take it upon ourselves to judge the thoughts and intentions of others, which are hidden from us. The situation regarding the observance of days was much the same. Those who knew that all these things were set aside by Christ's coming paid no attention to the Jewish festivals. But it is not enough that our consciences consent to what we do; it is necessary that it be confirmed by the Word of God.

Beware of acting against a doubting conscience. We are all prone to make our own views the standard of truth, to consider things certain which to others appear doubtful. Thus Christians often despise or condemn each other about doubtful matters of no importance. A thankful regard for God, the Author and Giver of all our mercies, sanctifies and sweetens them.

Though some are weak, and others are strong, yet all must agree not to live for themselves. No one who has committed themselves to Christ is permitted to be a self-seeker; that is against true Christianity. The purpose of our lives is not to please ourselves, but to please God. That is true Christianity, which makes Christ all in all.

Though Christians may differ in strength, abilities, and practices in less important matters, they all belong to the Lord; all are looking to, serving, and seeking Christ's approval. He is Lord of the living, to rule them; and of the dead, to revive them and raise them up. Christians should not judge or despise one another, because each one must soon give an account.

A believing consideration of the great day of judgment would silence rash judgments. Let everyone search their own heart and life; whoever is strict in judging and humbling themselves will not be inclined to judge and despise their brother. We must take care not to say or do things that may cause others to stumble or to fall.

The one signifies a lesser, the other a greater, degree of offense: that which may cause grief or guilt to our brother.

Christ deals gently with those who have true grace, even though they are weak in it. Consider the design of Christ's death; also, that drawing a soul to sin threatens the destruction of that soul. Did Christ deny himself for our brothers and sisters, even to the point of dying for them, and shall we not deny ourselves for them, so as to refrain from any indulgence? We cannot prevent ungoverned tongues from speaking evil, but we must not give them any occasion.

In many cases, we must deny ourselves what we may lawfully do, when doing so might harm our good name. Our good often comes to be evil spoken of because we use lawful things in an uncharitable and selfish manner. As we value the reputation of the good we profess and practice, let us strive so that it may not be evil spoken of. Righteousness, peace, and joy are words that mean a great deal.

Regarding God, our great concern is to appear before him justified by Christ's death, sanctified by the Spirit of his grace; for the righteous Lord loves righteousness. Regarding our brothers and sisters, it is to live in peace, love, and charity with them, pursuing peace with all people. Regarding ourselves, it is joy in the Holy Spirit—that spiritual joy worked by the blessed Spirit in the hearts of believers, which regards God as their reconciled Father and heaven as their expected home.

Regard for Christ in performing our duties is what alone makes them acceptable. Those who are most pleased with him are most pleasing to God; and they abound most in peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. They are approved by wise and good people, and the opinion of others should not be regarded.

Many wish for peace and talk loudly for it, who do not follow the things that make for peace. Meekness, humility, self-denial, and love make for peace. We cannot edify one another while quarreling and contending. Many, for meat and drink, destroy the work of God in themselves; nothing more destroys the soul than pampering and pleasing the flesh and fulfilling its lusts. In this way, others are hurt when willful offense is given.

Lawful things may be done unlawfully by giving offense to brethren. This includes all indifferent matters by which a brother is drawn into sin or trouble, or by which his graces, his comforts, or his resolutions are weakened. Do you have faith? This refers to knowledge and clarity regarding our Christian liberty.

Enjoy its comfort, but do not trouble others by a wrong use of it. Nor may we act against a doubting conscience. How excellent are the blessings of Christ's kingdom, which consists not in outward rites and ceremonies, but in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost! How preferable is the service of God to all other services! And in serving Him, we are not called to live and die to ourselves, but to Christ, whose we are and whom we ought to serve.