Christians are called to welcome one another, and not allow differing opinions on non-essential issues or practices to hinder fellowship. We have no right to despise or reject someone whom God himself has welcomed. Neither is it our place to pass judgment; that role belongs to God alone (v.10,12). Instead, each one should focus on their own conduct and see whether it honours the Lord and expresses gratitude to him (v.6).
What will each person do when standing before God’s judgment seat? (v.12)
"Dear Lord, help me to love and accept my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, even when we don’t agree on everything. Remind me that you are the judge, not me. Lead me to focus on my own relationship with you, my Master. Let me humbly remember the same patience and kindness you’ve shown me, that I may build others up in the same way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Nothing is important enough to cause another believer to stumble. While it is true that we have freedom in Christ, that freedom was given to enable us to fully serve God, not our desires. We were set free from the bondage of sin to be able to love others as God intended, through his Spirit’s work in our lives. If we love exercising our freedom more than we love our fellow believer, then what is the point? We are no longer living according to love.
What are the things a Christian should make effort to pursue? (v.19)
"Dear Lord, help me to walk in love, always being mindful of how my actions might affect others. Give me the wisdom to know when to stand up for my convictions, and when to show understanding to those in doubt. Help me use my freedom only to build others up, and not tear them down. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”
What makes us strong: the ability to act, or the discipline not to act? God gave us freedom and spiritual gifts so that we could be instruments of his righteousness for the building up of fellow believers. The ‘strong’ Christian demonstrates their strength by bearing with the weaknesses of the weak— not by exercising their freedom in Christ without considering others. It may even mean abstaining from pleasurable and otherwise permissible things for the sole purpose of helping a weaker believer. This is the way of Christian maturity and love.