Legalists Are Bullies
What should we do when someone tells us we ought to act a certain way in an area where the Bible gives no clear guidance? Certainly, we can humbly evaluate whether the critic merely finds this offensive or if it is likely to actually compel them toward a course of action that, for them, would be wrong. We are not to yield to the demands of legalists but are to yield to love for the weak (1 Cor 8:13, ASB note). Nor are we to yield if it violates our conscience (Rom 14:22, DSB note). While we need not change our standards (Rom 14:5, REB), we should not openly display our liberty to those who would be genuinely ruined by seeing it (Rom 14:22, NIVSB note). In this way, we can be conscientious toward others while happy with ourselves for acting on our own convictions (Rom 14:22-23, Weymouth note).
Who are ‘the weak’? They are believers who are legalistically rule-oriented (Col 2:20-23) or simply allow for less freedom of response in matters which are not inherently sinful. How ought the strong deal with the weak when they make their pronouncements on ‘neutral’ areas where God wants the Holy Spirit, not someone else’s conscience, to guide us? We should be tolerant of the weaker Christian whose faith lacks greater maturity (Mk 9:36-37, ASB note). In time, as they grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit can help them move past some of these problems that they create for themselves and for others (Rom 14:1, Worrell note with Rom 15:1, Moffatt).
Vincent points out what a bully the weak Christian can be (Rom 14:5, WSNT note). We are neither to try to destroy him, reason with him when his mind is clearly made up, nor yield to him in matters that would hurt us or violate our conscience. This is not easy. Yet, perhaps we can be more loving, appropriately tolerant, and compassionate if we remember that we, too, have areas where we are weak and may act like a weak brother to people who are stronger than us in those realms (Rom 14:10, Phillips).
Loving trust is more important than mere head knowledge.