The idea of Christian Liberty is seldom discussed or considered today but it was a common fixture of the historic confessions, and is still just as relevant today. Regarding things not expressly addressed in Scripture, believers are free to follow their own conscience before God. Of course this means that there will some times be disagreement between Christians in these areas. Here are nine principles drawn from Romans 14:1–15:7 for how we should handle these disagreements.

  1. Do not pass judgment on one another, but receive one another as those who have been accepted by God in Christ.
  2. Do not give in to pride by looking down on those whose conscience is more or less free than your own. It is God’s grace alone, not the exercise of abstinence or liberty, that keeps us from falling away.
  3. Hold your convictions with a clear conscience under the Lordship of Christ, and assume that others are doing the same.
  4. Do not condemn or despise one another for we will all stand before God’s judgment and give account for our own actions and attitudes.
  5. Recognize the great effect we have on one another as interconnected members of the body, and never allow your personal freedoms or convictions to cause spiritual harm.
  6. Remember what things are truly important in the kingdom of God, and prioritize growth in those for both yourself and others.
  7. In disputable matters, live by your conscience, but do not insist others live by your conscience. Recognize differing opinions and maintain a posture of humility.
  8. Follow Christ’s example by putting the benefit of others ahead of pleasing yourself.
  9. Remember that we bring the most glory to God by living in harmony with one another under the Lordship of Christ.