Romans 14:13

Judge this rather. A second reason why believers should not criticize one another. Paul gives that reason with a play on the word “judge.” In this phrase he uses the word in the sense of “to decide,” “to determine” (see 1 Cor. 2:2; 2 Cor. 2:1; Titus 3:12).

If there is to be any judging at all, let it not be criticism of others but the determination not to cause a brother to fall. Paul’s first reason for not judging is that men are accountable, not to one another but to God, who is their Master and Judge. His second reason is his oft-repeated rule of Christian love. Believers who are strong in faith will, out of love, be considerate of the feelings and consciences of their weaker brethren, and will exercise every care to avoid offending or confusing them. Although it is true that in matters of conscience no man is accountable to another, nevertheless all Christians are responsible for one another’s welfare. And though a Christian is free to shake off all legalistic remains of a former day, yet love for others forbids any use of this freedom that might harm a fellow believer who is “weak in the faith” (Rom. 14:1).