Romans 14:19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
This verse speaks to the deep motive we must have in how we formulate our personal convictions on minor issues and how we live these out in our relationships with other people. We must have two goals: 1) peace in our relationships, and 2) building up the faith and lives of one another. Behind these lies the motive of love. If there is anything we do that violates the law of love, we are breaking God’s law. Christians are free to hold different convictions as long as they come under the umbrella of love. This love cannot simply be in the head or spoken without the action to back it up. The way this will be see is when we “make every effort.” This will take our most diligent effort. It is not something that will happen accidentally but will take intentionality. We must work hard at it because our salvation and that of others may depend on it. Harsh feelings, jealousy, or judgment can become spiritual roadblocks to our growth and may show the deeper issue of selfishness.
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