God’s Stance On Being A Vegetarian Or Not

The question of being a vegetarian or not was brought up in the Bible. Not only is this a topic of discussion and controversy now, but it was also the same way in the early church. So to get right to it, we will open up our Bibles to Romans, chapter 14, starting with verse 1. It reads, “him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.” (Romans 14:1-6) There is so much to discuss here, for God knows exactly how we should be acting as Christians when it comes to eating food. Therefore, we are to stop judging and show people respect.

Based on what Paul said, we know that we are to receive all people in the church, especially those that are weak. But in so doing, we do not dispute with them little things like food. In the church at large, there are vegetarians and meat eaters, but every vegetarian should not judge the meat eater, where meat eaters should not judge vegetarians also. People have their personal preferences when it comes to food, so who is it for us to change their minds on these unimportant matters. God receives us all in the faith, no matter the types of foods we eat. Therefore, we are not to judge people, for God is our judge. And when it comes to each day, some people say that it is different, where others will say they are the alike. This thinking is similar to the talk about eating meat or not. But what matters is that people keep these thoughts to themselves. That way meaningless disputations will be avoided. Now, in regards to food, we are to remember to give God thanks. This means praying over our food at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is not a fast prayer, in order to get on with eating, but a heartfelt prayer unto our God, who is king over all the earth and the heavens above. God will then bless that food, that we may gain the strength we need from it, no matter what it is. Amen.

Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that we will become less judgy and more loving. That meaningless disputes about the foods we eat will be stopped. I love how the Bible says to keep these thoughts to ourselves and to be respectful to people. Just because I eat meat it doesn’t mean that every person has to want or eat meat themselves. People can be vegetarians, like a neighbor of mine is, and that is wonderful for them. What aggravates me is when people argue over this topic of food. Since the early church began, these have always been unnecessary and hurtful disputations. Where someone who is weak in the faith could stop believing in You, Jesus, because of this. Truly, debates and arguments have led too many people astray, which is so uncalled for. There is a time and a place for helping people come to know Your truth in the Bible, but that is if they are ready. You have taught me to leave stop talking to people who are disinterested and talk to those who are. So I have taken this great advice through my street and Facebook ministry and it has gone wonderfully. And Lord, if you are not leading me, I know that things will not go right, so I will wait till the Spirit is with me before I speak. So, God, I pray that You will keep me in Your presence at all times. Open the hearts of people to know You greater when I do talk with them. I trust in You, Lord. I believe in You, Jesus. I love You. Amen.