Matthew Henry Commentary Romans 14:14-18

"I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself: save that to him who accounteth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. For if because of meat thy brother is grieved, thou walkest no longer in love. Destroy not with thy meat him for whom Christ died. Let not then your good be evil spoken of: for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he that herein serveth Christ is well-pleasing to God, and approved of men." — Romans 14:14-18 (ASV)

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.