Love Over Liberty: Building Up the Body of Christ

In a world that often celebrates individual rights and personal freedoms, we're called to a higher standard as followers of Christ. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, challenges us to reconsider how we interact with our fellow believers, especially when it comes to matters of opinion and personal conviction.
Imagine a family gathering for Thanksgiving. The table is set, the aroma of a feast fills the air, and loved ones are reunited after a long time apart. But suddenly, an argument erupts over whether to use paper plates or fine china. The joyous occasion is marred by division over something so trivial. This scenario, while seemingly absurd, mirrors how we sometimes behave in the church.
Paul's message in Romans 14 is clear: love for one another should compel us to build up, not tear down, the body of Christ. This profound truth challenges us to examine our hearts and actions in three key areas:

1. Protecting One Another's Walk

We're called to stop judging and start protecting. In matters of conscience where Scripture is unclear, our primary concern should be the spiritual well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul uses strong language, urging us to "never put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother."
This doesn't mean we abandon our convictions. Paul himself was "persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself." However, he recognized that for some, certain practices might be considered unclean due to their background or level of spiritual maturity. The key is to prioritize love over personal liberty.
Consider the example of a new believer from a Muslim background who still feels uncomfortable eating certain foods. If we invite them for dinner, love compels us to serve a meal they can eat with a clear conscience, rather than asserting our freedom to eat anything. This self-limiting love echoes Christ's own sacrifice, who "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped" (Philippians 2:6).

2. Pursuing What Really Matters

Paul delivers a powerful recalibration of Christian values: "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." In our interactions within the church, are we more concerned about temporal preferences or eternal priorities?
Righteousness speaks to our right standing before God and our pursuit of holiness. Peace refers to the profound gift Christ promises, a tranquility that transcends circumstances. Joy in the Holy Spirit is that mysterious, unshakeable delight in our salvation and relationship with God.
These are the things that truly matter in God's kingdom. When we focus on cultivating these qualities in ourselves and others, we serve Christ in a way that is "acceptable to God and approved by men." It's a stark reminder that our debates over non-essential matters often distract us from the weightier issues of the faith.

3. Building What God is Building

The final call is to actively participate in God's work of edification within the church. Paul urges us to "pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." This isn't a passive endeavor; it requires intentional effort and sacrifice.
Think of the church as a grand cathedral under construction. Each believer is laying stones that will become part of something glorious. But what happens when one worker, focused solely on their own ideas, knocks down a wall because they didn't want to follow the plan? The damage extends far beyond that single stone.
This metaphor illustrates the seriousness of Paul's warning: "Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God." Our personal preferences, when elevated above the good of the community, can cause real spiritual harm. It's a sobering thought that if we're not actively building others up, we may inadvertently be tearing them down.
Paul concludes with a powerful principle: "For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin." This challenges us to examine our motives and actions. Are we operating out of genuine faith and love for others, or are we simply asserting our own will?
Practical Application:

1. Before exercising a freedom that might be controversial, ask yourself: Could this cause a fellow believer to stumble?
2. Focus on cultivating righteousness, peace, and joy in your own life and in your interactions with others.
3. Look for ways to actively build up other believers, especially those who may be weaker in faith.
4. When disagreements arise over non-essential matters, prioritize unity and love over being "right."
5. Regularly examine your heart to ensure your actions proceed from faith, not selfish ambition.

The call to prioritize love over liberty is not always easy. It challenges our pride and our desire for personal autonomy. Yet it reflects the very heart of the gospel – Christ's sacrificial love for us. When we embrace this mindset, we participate in building a church that truly reflects God's kingdom – a place of righteousness, peace, and joy.
As we navigate the complexities of life together in Christian community, may we always remember Paul's exhortation: "Let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." In doing so, we not only honor God but also create a powerful testimony to the world of Christ's transforming love.