Romans 14:13-23

After having addressed the strong and the weak simultaneously, the apostle further addresses a warning to the former, to induce them not to use their liberty except in conformity with the law of love. As is observed by Hofmann, he had nothing similar to recommend to the weak; for he who is inwardly bound cannot change his conduct, while the strong man who feels himself free may at pleasure make use of his right or waive it in practice. To induce the strong believer to make sacrifice of his liberty, the apostle brings to bear on him the two following motives: 1st. Romans 14:13-19 a, the duty of not wounding the heart of the weak or producing inward irritation; 2d. Romans 14:19-23, the fear of destroying God's work within him by leading him to do something against his conscience.