or doing things which may cause others to stumble or to fall. The one signifies a lesser, the other
a greater degree of offence; that which may be an occasion of grief or of guilt to our brother.
Verses 14–18
Christ deals gently with those who have true grace, though they are weak in it. Consider the
design of Christ's death: also that drawing a soul to sin, threatens the destruction of that soul. Did
Christ deny himself for our brethren, so as to die for them, and shall not we deny ourselves for
them, so as to keep from any indulgence? We cannot hinder ungoverned tongues from speaking
evil; but we must not give them any occasion. We must deny ourselves in many cases what we may
lawfully do, when our doing it may hurt our good name. Our good often comes to be evil spoken
of, because we use lawful things in an uncharitable and selfish manner. As we value the reputation
of the good we profess and practise, let us seek that it may not be evil-spoken of. Righteousness,
peace, and joy, are words that mean a great deal. As to God, our great concern is to appear before
him justified by Christ's death, sanctified by the Spirit of his grace; for the righteous Lord loveth
righteousness. As to our brethren, it is to live in peace, and love, and charity with them; following
peace with all men. As to ourselves, it is joy in the Holy Ghost; that spiritual joy wrought by the
blessed Spirit in the hearts of believers, which respects God as their reconciled Father, and heaven
as their expected home. Regard to Christ in doing our duties, alone can make them acceptable.
Those are most pleasing to God that are best pleased with him; and they abound most in peace and
joy in the Holy Ghost. They are approved by wise and good men; and the opinion of others is not
to be regarded.
Verses 19–23
Many wish for peace, and talk loudly for it, who do not follow the things that make for peace.
Meekness, humility, self-denial, and love, make for peace. We cannot edify one another, while
quarrelling and contending. Many, for meat and drink, destroy the work of God in themselves;
nothing more destroys the soul than pampering and pleasing the flesh, and fulfilling the lusts of it;
so others are hurt, by wilful offence given. Lawful things may be done unlawfully, by giving offence
to brethren. This takes in all indifferent things, whereby a brother is drawn into sin or trouble; or
has his graces, his comforts, or his resolutions weakened. Hast thou faith? It is meant of knowledge
and clearness as to our Christian liberty. Enjoy the comfort of it, but do not trouble others by a
wrong use of it. Nor may we act against a doubting conscience. How excellent are the blessings of
Christ's kingdom, which consists not in outward rites and ceremonies, but in righteousness, peace,
and joy in the Holy Ghost! How preferable is the service of God to all other services! and in serving
him we are not called to live and die to ourselves, but unto Christ, whose we are, and whom we
ought to serve.
Chapter 15