Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. Some people are vegetarians because they think eating meat is wrong. Others eat meat freely. Both are believers. Both are trying to obey God. But their consciences have led them to different practices. Paul's solution isn't to declare one side right. It's to call for mutual acceptance.
I'm leading a church through culture wars. Should we celebrate Christmas? Should we drink alcohol? Should we vote Republican or Democrat? The questions fragment us. People on different sides are equally sincere, equally committed to following Jesus. But their consciences lead them different directions. Paul's chapter on the weak and strong is the only thing that keeps me from despair.
He's not saying both positions are equally true. He's saying both people can be equally faithful even while disagreeing. The strong person who eats meat isn't sinning. The weak person who abstains isn't legalistic. They're both trying to honor God from their understanding. The obligation is mutual acceptance and non-judgment. If we could apply this to just ten percent of our church conflicts, we'd have peace. We'd still have disagreement. But we'd have grace underneath it.
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