Read Romans 14 In Relation to the Weaker Brethren

for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17 NKJV)

The Jewish and Gentiles believers were having tensions with regard to observing of special days, partaking of certain food and drinking. Paul sees these as non-essential external matters in perspective for kingdom living which is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit rather than criticizing each other over external observation.

The Kingdom of God is not outward, external and physical that should matter and affect our relationship to one another in the faith adversely. Gods Kingdom is an internal, realm of redemption, sphere of salvation and government of Gods grace in the believers. There is the law of the kingdom and all citizens live in obedience by spirit and faith.

Here the righteousness that is true liberty in practical living. Its sanctification, ethical righteousness, conformity to the law of God showing Christ likeness. The fruit of it brings beauty, appreciation as God does and enables us to have peace and joy.

Objective peace is with God (Romans 5:1) here refers to subjective peace in the heart, is within you in the heart. Inner tranquillity, calm, Jn.14:1 trusting in God Peace that comes through reconciliation, been knitted together. Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. (Romans 14:19) Major on the major, the internal in the heart not stomach, spiritual not the natural, liberty both ways a matter of personal conscience and choice.

Joy is from the Holy Spirit within that gives strength to live triumphantly. It is not legalism and morbid Only the Holy Spirit can empower us. A spiritual dynamic not from the world. Acts 13:2 joy and the Holy Spirit

Prayer: Lord, Your Kingdom is of righteousness in Christ not of myself. I will not be critical of anyone who differ in their eternal observations. I will not let my good be evilly spoken of. Grant that I may not stumble a weaker brother or sister but express peace and joy that is of Your Spirit.

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