Accepting One Another
Reflection
Begin your study by sharing thoughts on this question.
1. Describe a particular time when you sensed a spirit of unity among Christians.
Bible Reading
Read Romans 14:13 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to
him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat,
now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness,
and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
18 For he that in these things serveth Christ isacceptable to God, and approved of men. 19 Let us therefore follow
after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 20 For meat destroy not the
work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. 21 It is good neither
to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which
he alloweth. 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not
of faith is sin.
Discovery
Explore the Bible reading by discussing these questions.
2. What issues caused division among the believers in Rome?
3. How did Paul counsel the Roman believers to deal with these issues?
Question 3. Paul emphasized the importance of unity among believers. Christians must carefully weigh
the consequences of their actions and consider how their choices will impact fellow believers.
4. What is the key point that Paul made in this passage?
Question 4. This debate over eating food offered to idols may not seem relevant today. This question
will help the group focus on the timeless truth of Romans 14:17. It is crucial that the group keeps this verse
in mind as they move on to the next set of questions.
5. When should Christians defer to a fellow believer's beliefs?
6. Explain why it is more important to maintain unity than to maintain our personal rights.
Inspiration
Here is an uplifting thought from the Inspirational Study Bible.
Accepting others is basic to letting them be. The problem [in Paul's day] was not a meat problem, it was a
love problem, an acceptance problem. It still is. How often we restrict our love by making it conditional: “If
you will (or won't), then I will accept you.” Paul starts there: “Accept one another!” … Those who didn't eat [meat]
(called here “weak in the faith”) were exhorted to accept and not judge those who ate. And those who ate were exhorted
to accept and not regard with contempt those who did not eat. The secret lies in accepting one another. All of
this is fairly easy to read so long as I stay on the issue of eating meat. That one is safe because it isn't a
current taboo. It's easy to accept those folks today because they don't exist!
How about those in our life who may disagree with us on issues that are taboos in evangelical Christian circles
today?… Going to movies … Playing cards … Not having a “quiet time” every morning … Going to a restaurant that
sells liquor … Listening to certain music … Dancing … Drinking coffee …
There are a dozen other things I could list, some of which would make you smile. But believe me, in various
areas of our country or the world some or all of these things may be taboo.… [D]on't assume that all areas are
identical when it comes to taboos.… (Remember, our goal is acceptance, the basis of a grace state of mind.)
(From The Grace Awakening by Charles Swindoll)
Response
Use these questions to share more deeply with each other.
7. What issues cause debates among Christians you know?
Question 7. If your group loves a good debate, encourage them to save their arguments about current controversial
issues until after the study is completed. The goal of this study is not to resolve controversies but to learn
how to build up and support other believers, even those who have different opinions.
8. How can believers handle controversial issues in a way that builds up the church rather than harms
it?
Question 8. If your group loves a good debate, encourage them to save their arguments about current controversial
issues until after the study is completed. The goal of this study is not to resolve controversies but to learn
how to build up and support other believers, even those who have different opinions.
9. How can believers show love and acceptance to one another, in spite of differing opinions on certain
issues?
Question 9. If your group loves a good debate, encourage them to save their arguments about current controversial
issues until after the study is completed. The goal of this study is not to resolve controversies but to learn
how to build up and support other believers, even those who have different opinions.
Prayer
We ask you, Father, to protect your church. Keep us from making our personal rights more important than the
unity of your church. Keep us focused on the important things, the things that will build your kingdom. Give us
the strength to love and accept one another. Bind us together through your Holy Spirit.
Journaling
Take a few moments to record your personal insights from this lesson.
How can I be more sensitive to the beliefs of my Christian friends?
Additional Questions
10. In your opinion, what are some issues that are not worth fighting over?
11. What beliefs are you not willing to compromise?
12. How can you avoid causing fellow believers to stumble in their faith?
For more Bible passages on accepting others, see Matthew 7:1–5; Romans 15:7; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Galatians 2:6;
James 4:12.
To complete the book of Romans during this twelve-part study, read Romans 14:1–15:13.
From Life Lessons from the Inspired Word of God—Book of Romans by Max Lucado. Copyright 1996 by Word Publishing.
