
Conviction versus Peace
So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
Romans 14:22-23 NIV
These verses say a great deal about conviction vs peace. Throughout the chapter of 14 Paul explains that there are differences in opinions when it boils down to what is right and wrong in the eyes of God. Jews still following the old Covenant believed their eating habits brought about righteousness for example. The gentiles didn’t think so, however. This means each party was offending the other.
Each party was right in their mind, however each party also set a stumbling block for the other.
In our world today this can revolve around many different things:
For example
:
Drinking alcohol
Sex before marriage
Music
Tobacco
Sports
Relationships
If one feels convicted at the heart about something they do, then it could very well be sin according to this verse.
If one feels convicted and the other doesnt, the other must avoid putting a stumbling block before their brother or sister in Jesus Christ.
We also need not to bloat our opinion, as many do with social media. Rather verse 22 tells us to keep it between yourself and God. He is the only one who’s opinion matters anyway.