What is Paul saying in Romans 14:1-6 in simple language?
When Paul speaks of “one who is weak in faith” in this passage, he speaks specifically of those who abstained from eating meat, either because of Jewish dietary laws or because it may have been offered to idols. Likewise, verse 5 seems to be speaking of both Jewish believers and former pagans who may have felt compelled to either observe or separate themselves from days or festivities deemed special by their former beliefs. Paul doesn’t explicitly contrast the “strong” and “weak” in faith, but in verse 2 – One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. – we can logically conclude that the “strong” in faith is someone who recognizes their freedom in these areas.
Paul is telling us not to let such matters divide us. What is the motivation behind choosing to abstain or eat, observe a day or not? Whether we choose to walk in freedom or not, so long as our choices are motivated by a desire to honor Him, the glory still belongs to God.
How does it apply to the shepherds responsibility to eliminate tension amongst the flock?
Paul is telling us not to allow secondary issues to divide us. In addition to this, I think looking further into the chapter highlights the shepherd’s application of this teaching.
I know that I am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it is unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. (Romans 14:14-15)
Do not, for the sake of food destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. The faith that you have keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgement on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. (Romans 14:20-23)
I think what Paul is saying here is to error on the side of caution. As shepherds, it is our responsibility to lead without causing others to stumble. At times this may mean abstaining from areas where I know that I have freedom for the sake of a brother or sister in Christ.
A more modern example, I think, would be alcohol. I know that I have freedom in this area, but there are times when I may abstain for the sake of others. Whether it be that they struggle with addiction or that they don’t understand the freedom they have, I abstain so as not to confuse or influence others to the point of stumbling. To do otherwise, according to Paul, would not be walking in love.
As shepherds, we should lead our flocks in this way. We should error on the side of caution and walk in love. That is, at times, we should abstain from certain freedoms for the sake of those weaker members of the flock. And we should lead others who are strong in their faith to do the same. When the whole flock is walking in love for one another, we eliminate tension amongst the flock.