How does Romans 14:19 guide Christians in resolving conflicts within the church community? Text and Immediate Sense “So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” — Romans 14:19 Paul issues an imperative. “Pursue” (diōkōmen) is vigorous: chase down, hunt, actively follow. The objects of the pursuit are “peace” (eirēnēn) and “mutual edification” (oikodomēs). Conflict resolution in the church therefore is not passive tolerance but energetic, intentional effort aimed at two outcomes: (1) the absence of relational hostility, and (2) the spiritual construction of one another. Canonical Context Romans 12–15 unfolds a single practical unit. Romans 12:18 sets the thesis—“If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.” Chapter 13 grounds peace in submission to governing authorities. Chapter 14 applies peace to intra-church “disputable matters” (v. 1). Romans 15:5–7 climaxes the argument, urging believers to “accept one another, just as Christ accepted you.” The pursuit of peace and edification in 14:19 sits at the center of this inclusio. Theological Foundations 1. Trinitarian Grounding: God is “the God of peace” (Romans 15:33). Christ’s atonement “made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20). The Spirit produces peace as fruit (Galatians 5:22). 2. Purpose of Redemption: Believers are unified into “one body” (Ephesians 4:4) to display God’s wisdom (Ephesians 3:10). Division compromises that witness. 3. Eschatological Accountability: “Each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). The judgment seat (2 Corinthians 5:10) motivates self-restriction for the sake of others. Key Principles for Resolving Church Conflict 1. Recognize Disputable Matters: “Do not quarrel over opinions” (Romans 14:1). Moral absolutes (e.g., resurrection) are non-negotiable; diets and days are secondary. 2. Liberty Governed by Love: “If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love” (v. 15). Freedom stops where it wounds another’s conscience. 3. Conscience Respect: God alone is Lord of conscience (v. 4). Forcing conformity fractures peace. 4. Voluntary Self-Limitation: Paul would forego meat forever rather than trip a brother (1 Corinthians 8:13). Mature believers absorb inconvenience to protect the immature. 5. Focus on Kingdom Priorities: “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). Peripheral issues must never eclipse gospel essentials. Pastoral Strategy—A Seven-Step Model 1. Prayerful Preparation (James 1:5) 2. Clarify the Issue: Is it sin or scruple? 3. Listen Actively: “Be quick to hear” (James 1:19). 4. Speak Truth in Love (Ephesians 4:15). 5. Seek Win-Win Solutions: Adjust practices, schedule alternate service styles, provide conscience-free zones. 6. Commit to Ongoing Edification: Pair disputants in ministry teams; serving together builds empathy. 7. Celebrate Reconciliation Publicly (Acts 15:30–31). Biblical Case Studies • Acts 6:1–7 — Hellenist widows: apostles pursued peace (fair distribution) and edification (appointment of qualified servants). • Acts 15 — Jerusalem Council: disputants met, Scripture cited, compromise letter sent—church multiplied afterward. • 1 Corinthians 8–10 — Meat offered to idols: Paul’s pastoral triad of knowledge, love, and mission echoes Romans 14. Contemporary Examples • Music Styles: Churches offering blended services exemplify self-limitation for mutual edification. • Pandemic Protocols: Congregations differentiating conscience-based mask sections from general seating preserved unity. When metrics were tracked (Barna, 2022), such congregations retained 18 % more member engagement than those enforcing uniformity. Eschatological Motivation Romans 14:10–12 locates conflict resolution in the coming judgment. Peacemaking accrues “gold, silver, precious stones” (1 Corinthians 3:12–14). Neglect invites loss. Future orientation fuels present harmony. Christological Center Jesus “Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14). He reconciled Jew and Gentile, the deepest cultural divide. The resurrection validates His authority (Romans 1:4) and power (Philippians 3:10) to enable believers today to walk in Romans 14:19 obedience. Cross-References for Study Psalm 34:14; Matthew 5:9; Mark 9:50; 1 Corinthians 14:26; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Ephesians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 12:14; James 3:18. Summary Romans 14:19 mandates energetic, others-focused pursuit of peace and edification. Grounded in God’s character, guaranteed by Christ’s resurrection, enabled by the Spirit, textually certain, pastorally practicable, and behaviorally validated, this single verse supplies the definitive biblical blueprint for resolving conflicts within the church community. |