AIM FOR HARMONY IN THE CHURCH
Literally, Paul said that believers are to “pursue peace” and edify one another. Yet, the NLT’s use of the word “harmony” is appropriate because it captures Paul’s desire to preserve unity in the church, while allowing for diversity of individual conscience.
The point of harmony in music is that different parts may be sung, yet as long as they are in the same key, they sound unified and beautiful together. Similarly, even though Jewish background believers may follow a kosher diet and Gentile Christians a different diet, as long as they follow the same Jesus and love one another, there will be harmony.
Paul wanted to make it clear that Gentiles didn’t have to become Jewish in order to become Christians. They didn’t have to celebrate the same holidays, nor eat the same foods. These were cultural distinctives and matters of the conscience, not necessities of the faith. Paul warned believers not to major in the minors, as it were. Don’t focus on disputable matters which divide, instead focus on that which will build one another up in Christ.
Romans 14 is a profound instruction for those that would obey the Great Commission to make disciples of “all nations.” For we are not called to make Americans, nor Democrats or Republicans, but disciples of Jesus Christ. Our pursuit is unity around the gospel of Jesus and building one another up to maturity in Him.
PRAYER: Dear Father, help us to live in harmony with one another as believers, always building one another up to maturity in Jesus. Give us peace and unity through Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.