The Gentle Calmness Of True Strength

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
Romans 14:19

Consider the irony of freedom.

Define it as “the right to do as you please,” and you will never be truly free.

Define it as “the right to do as you ought,” and you will have discovered the essence of true freedom.

In Romans 14 Paul described the use—and abuse—of Christian liberty, as H. C. G. Moule explains.

WALK WITH H. C. G. MOULE
“In principle, Paul’s own convictions lay with the ‘strong,’ those who knew that ‘nothing is unclean’ (Romans 14:14).

“He knew that the Lord was not grieved, but pleased, by the moderate and thankful use of his natural bounties.

“But though the strong may be right in principle concerning certain activities, this leaves untouched the still more stringent overruling principle, to ‘walk in the way of love’ (Ephesians 5:2); to live for the benefit of others.

“The strong are not to be ashamed of their liberty. But they are to be ashamed of one hour’s unloving conduct.

“Their ‘strength’ in Christ is never to be ungentle. It is to be shown, first and most, by patience. It is to take the form of the calm, strong readiness to understand another’s point of view.”

WALK CLOSER TO GOD
When it comes to the exercise of Christian freedom, God is looking for men and women who are strong in the Lord, yet tender toward those who are weak in the faith; he is looking for believers who temper their freedom with love.

When you encounter a “gray area” in your walk with God, when you’re not sure of the right course of action, when the Scriptures are silent on a particular activity—what then?

Then put Paul’s principle to work: When in doubt, love!