Romans, 14
3. If you eat, do not despise those who abstain; if you abstain, do not criticize those who eat, for God has welcomed them.
3. If you eat, do not despise those who abstain; if you abstain, do not criticize those who eat, for God has welcomed them.
Romans 14 deals with Christian freedom and the way Christians should deal with issues of conscience and divergences of opinion. Paul points out that although there is freedom in Christ, we must be careful not to hurt the conscience of our weaker brother. He emphasizes that we must strive to live in peace and in harmony with each other, avoiding hasty judgments and respecting differences of opinion. Based on this, here are five verses related to the topics addressed in Romans 14, in order of proximity to the chapter:
1 Corinthians 8:9: "But see that this freedom is not in any way scandal for the weak." This verse highlights the importance of considering the impact of our actions on our weaker brothers on faith. He emphasizes that our freedom in Christ must be exercised with responsibility and love for others.
Colossians 2:16: "Therefore, no one judges you for eating, or drinking, or because of feast days, or new moon, or Saturdays." This verse highlights the idea that whether or not observance of certain customs should not be a source of judgment among Christians. He emphasizes that our unity in Christ must be more important than differences of opinion in secondary issues.
1 Thessalonians 5:13: "And estimate them a lot in love, because of their work. Tend peace among you." This verse highlights the importance of valuing and respecting our spiritual leaders and seeking peace and harmony among the brothers. He emphasizes that we must strive to live in peace with each other and to honor those who work for our spiritual good.
Galatians 5:13: "For you, brothers, have been called to freedom. You do not use freedom to give the flesh occasion, but serve one another for love." This verse again highlights the idea that our freedom in Christ must be exercised with responsibility and love for others. He emphasizes that we must use our freedom to serve each other, not to satisfy our own selfish desires.
Philippians 2:3-4: "You do nothing by strife or by boasting, but by humility; each one considers the others superior to himself. Do not pay attention to what is properly his own, but each one also for what is others." This verse highlights the importance of humility and service among Christians. He emphasizes that we should put others above ourselves and serve each other with love, even when it involves abdicating our own preferences.
“Como Jesus, preparemo-nos a duas ascensões: uma ao Calvário e outra ao Céu. A ascensão ao Calvário, se não for alegre, deve ao menos ser resignada!” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
