Twin City church of Christ Blog
“Sept 11, 2024 - Sacrificing My Rights”
Categories: 2024 Reading DevotionalsSacrificing My Rights
Reading: Romans 14:13-23
Having acknowledged the differing opinions on matters of meats and feast days, Paul instructs the Roman Christians how to make peace going forward. “Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother”(Rom 14:13). The idea of a “stumbling block” here is more than the modern idea of “offending” someone. It means leading them to sin (rather than just making them upset). He equates it with my brother being grieved (Rom 14:15), destroyed (Rom 14:15), speaking of my good as evil (Rom 14:16), and making him stumble (Rom 14:21). Paul teaches us not to insist on our opinions to the point where we encourage our brother to violate his own conscience.
But he goes a step farther. If exercising my rights causes my brother to sin, I should sacrifice my rights. “It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble”(Rom 14:21). Yes, even if I have the right to do something, it would be better not to do it than to lead my brother to sin by doing it. This teaching is particularly challenging because Americans believe so strongly in the idea of personal liberties and rights. We fight for our rights and feel justified exercising them, regardless of the impact on others. Christians think differently: “Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God”(Rom 14:20). My rights are not worth my brother’s soul.
Our actions involve more than just ourselves and God. Even when I feel a behavior is morally acceptable, have I considered its effect on others? Would I be willing to give it up for my brother’s sake? Would I be resentful of my brother for his strong opinions when I believe a practice is OK? These are probing questions. It is easy to say we love one another, but “if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love”(Rom 14:15). Love is tested when we sacrifice our rights to bless those around us—like Jesus.
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One Thing to Think About: Would I give up my way, my fun, or my opinion for my brother’s sake?
One Thing to Pray For: A heart to love my brother above myself
