Matthew Henry Commentary Romans 14:7-13

"For none of us liveth to himself, and none dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; or whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord`s. For to this end Christ died and lived [again], that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. But thou, why dost thou judge thy brother? or thou again, why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of God. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, to me every knee shall bow, And every tongue shall confess to God. So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge ye this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock in his brother`s way, or an occasion of falling." — Romans 14:7-13 (ASV)

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.