Scripture gives guidance on matters of conscience, particularly in cases where believers may reach different conclusions on certain matters of moral or spiritual choice.
Having a right attitude to Christians with different opinions
Consciences may differ
For one person has faith to eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables.
Different conscientious decisions must not be condemned
Romans 14:1 The gospel dispenses believers from all prohibitions concerning food. Those who are strong in faith realise this, and joyfully accept this liberty. Yet others are hindered from accepting this, on account of scruples about food inherited from their past life. Paul asks those with a clearer grasp of the gospel to respect anyone whose “faith is weak”, so that, in their own time, they may come to share the fulness of the liberty of the children of God. See also Romans 14:10, Romans 14:13; 1 Corinthians 10:29–30
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions.
God accepts and supports people who reach different conscientious decisions
The one who eats everything must not belittle the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
God alone must judge whether decisions of the conscience are right or wrong
Romans 14:12–13 See also Colossians 2:16
So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.
Decision-making
Decisions should honour Jesus Christ
Romans 14:6 See also Romans 14:7–9, Romans 14:22; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 2:20–23
He who observes a special day does so to the Lord; he who eats does so to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.
Decisions should arise from convictions
Romans 14:5 See also Romans 14:23
One person regards a certain day above the others, while someone else considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.
Decisions should be based on good doctrine
Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.”
Consideration of others
Regard for another's position
1 Corinthians 10:23–24 See also Romans 14:14
“Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying. No one should seek his own good, but the good of others.
Restraint of freedom for the sake of another
1 Corinthians 8:9 “The weak” are Christians who have yet to grasp the full implications of the gospel. At this stage, they are likely to be scandalised by the full public exercise of Christian freedom on the part of those who are more mature in their faith. Paul's advice is to respect the sensitivities of the weak, and wait for these fellow believers to become spiritually mature. Paul is not suggesting that Christians should cease to exercise the liberty of faith. Rather, he is asking for pastoral sensitivity. See also Romans 14:15, Romans 14:19–21, Romans 15:1–3; 1 Corinthians 8:10–13, 1 Corinthians 10:27–29
Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
Appeals to conscience
1 Kings 12:1–15; Acts 10:9–16, Acts 15:6–11 Peter argues against circumcision for Gentile believers; 1 Corinthians 8:4–8; Philemon 1:8–21; Galatians 2:11–16 Consciences are not infallible.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.