Chapter
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Verse

Romans 14:19

ESV So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
NIV Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
NASB So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.
CSB So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another.
NLT So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.
KJV Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
NKJV Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

What does Romans 14:19 mean?

This sums up what Paul has written in the previous verses. He is urging those who are strong in faith to be willing to set aside the open exercise of their freedom in Christ, if necessary, to keep from harming the faith and obedience of those who are less strong. For example, believers should be willing to forego eating meat if that will keep those "weak in faith" (Romans 14:1–2) from stumbling into violating their own conscience.

This willingness to defer our own rights, to set aside our freedom in Christ for the sake of others, is itself a service to Christ. It results in peace and encouragement for everyone. Paul urges these strong Christians to pursue that peace and mutual encouragement by setting themselves aside for the good of their brothers and sisters.

As with other verses in this chapter, Paul's point here is not to give more legalism-minded believers the right to police the actions of all other Christians (Colossians 2:16–23). Christians do not lose their liberty because of the opinions of others (Romans 14:3; 1 Corinthians 10:29–30). Rather, they ought to discern the difference between exercising freedom and abusing it.
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