Our Debt Of Tolerance
OUR DEBT OF TOLERANCE
ROMANS 14:13-23
We are to pursue those things that make for peace and mutual upbuilding.
An Arab proverb says “We owe the world a debt of tolerance.” Paul’s continued insistence on this issue seems to indicate that he is answering a specific inquiry. In both the letters to Corinth and to Philippi there is indication that replies are being made to queries and comments sent to him. We would understand what he writes better if the letters written to him had been also preserved.
The point he makes, with some urgency, is that even when a person is right in a certain view, their conviction must not be thrust on others without regard to their feelings. There are ways of persuasion, and gentleness is not compromise. This is not to be taken as an excuse for blurred thinking on matters of moral and ethical importance, nor to suggest that it is wrong to hold the firmest convictions. Paul only pleads for discernment over what is vital and what is not, and for the tolerance which respects another’s earnest scruples.
The reference to a “stumbling block” in 14:13 (see also 14:21) reveals how deep this problem goes, and at the same time Paul’s spiritual insight. Suppose the example of the “liberated” Christian, perhaps a powerful personality, who leads a weaker brother to adopt a practice which his conscience condemns. The one who so acts has suffered damage. An occasion for stumbling has been put in his path. Paul knew what Christ had said on moral defilement; it is not in things but in the heart (Mark 7:20-23). He is not in any sense superseding Christ’s words but applying them in the Lord’s name to a special situation. Align 14:17 with Matthew 5:6,9,12 and 6:33.
In the light of this challenging statement on Christian responsibility what would the Christian answer be to Cain’s question: “Am I my brother’s keeper?”? It is a question to be answered before the judgment seat (14:10).