# Romans Chapter 14
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## Summarrium
Paul pleads with the Romans to welcome those weak in faith and not to quarrel over opinions. Paul anticipates that where two or more are gathered in my name there will be difference of opinion. So act loving towards each other not introducing stumbling blocks towards one another, nor 'despising' each other in the name of difference. Paul reminds us that we will all bow to the Father and confess to God, giving an account for our lives.

We are instead called to defer judgement to the one true judge, knowing that in the Lord nothing is unclean, but instead it is unclean if ones conscious is not clear on the matter. This is because the Lord desires the obedience that comes from faith not fear. Let us therefore avoid causing others to stumble and instead keep our faith between ourselves and the Lord.

## Meditatio
There is much going on in this passage that needs inspection for us to grasp what is actually being said. Firstly we should acknowledge the context of the passage which is Paul addressing the tension within the Roman church between "weak" believers (who adhere to stricter practices) and "strong" believers (who acknowledge their freedom in Christ and see no need for such restrictions).

This tension is present in two specific issues discussed within the passage; dietary restrictions and the observance of 'holy' days. Paul here is highlighting the potential for disharmony over what effectively amount to actual matters of 'taste', simply opinions. Paul here is committed to the unity of the believers acknowledging that only by standing together in Christ can we stand at all, weak or strong.

The next thing this reveals to us is that freedom and responsibility are two distinct things. As aforementioned in my last post, I am free to consume what I like. This does not mean that consuming *everything* I like is a responsible course of action to take. Indeed it is likely to cause further health complications and contribute towards ill health. We may well go as far to say this is *unwise*.

Verse 14 in this chapter may well seem that Paul is giving licence to engage in any *unwise* practices we so desire. He is not. He is pointing out the freedom we now enjoy in Christ because of his life, death and resurrection. His pointing out that if we live we do so in his name, if we die likewise highlights we belong to him. We are *free* now to make the choice to act responsibly or irresponsibly with this freedom. Paul is encouraging us to act in a way that builds each other up not tearing each other down.

There is an interesting point raised here. Paul points out that it is a blessed thing not to feel condemned by ones own actions, but the absence of condemnation is a poor reason to exercise this freedom. Instead faith in the God who hears, listens, responds and acts is central to the exercise of freedom.

The notion of 'strong' and 'weak' believers has the hallmarks of judgement making. Paul may here inadvertently introduce another area of difference, those who in faith abide in this freedom and those who do not. His purpose is not to sow division, but to avoid it. Conscience may well allow us to act where others do not but our first duty is to live for the Lord and to love each other well.