Romans 14:4 – The basis of mutual peace

Who are you who are judging Another’s domestic? To his own Master he is standing or falling. Now he will be made to stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

In the preceding verse the argument was made that it is not appropriate to despise or judge another, since God includes us and takes us to Himself. Why then should we exclude each other? In this verse, Paul adds another argument to that thought.

If we recognize that we are each individually the property of the Lord (Gr. kurios), what ground do I have to hold the other accountable? I am not the lord or owner of the other, am I? The question of whether the other stands or falls is not for me to judge. And even if the other falls, it’s none of my business or responsibility.

If the other (as well as myself) is the Lord’s property, why should I not confidently surrender him to His care? After all, like no other, He is in a position to make the other stand. With that knowledge I not only have peace of mind, but I can also leave the other person alone!

Delen: