Destructive criticism is obviously evil: it ruins relationships and reputations.  But it is just as wicked to encourage or pressurise people to act against their conscience.  They may be well intentioned but undiscerning of both God’s will for that person and their conscience.  Some believers wrongly assume that what they do, and the way they do it, must be God’s will for every Christian.  While Biblical doctrine is clear and must not be compromised, the exact way in which it is expressed may vary according to circumstances (2 Kings 5:18-19).

The strong opinion of believers who have set ‘rules for their spiritual life’, may speak to young believers with condemning or coercive words which can easily break the bonds of fellowship and sear the tender conscience of other brothers and sisters in Christ (Romans 2:1-4).  The issue in these verses is about eating meat offered to idols: some are convinced that the idol has no power or authority and the meat has not been changed by association with the idol – so they happily eat it: others, perhaps those who have previously worshipped the idol and are revolted by its association, cannot eat the meat in good conscience.

In Rome, those believers who had no problem eating meat which had been offered to idols would have wounded those whose conscience was troubled.  So, Paul wanted them to wake up, and realise that they were not only responsible to God, but also had a duty of care towards other believers.  It is still the same.  God does not expect us to act only as individuals, but also as a family of God's children.  We have responsibility to think about how our actions will affect others and, if necessary, modify our own behaviour to protect the tender consciences of others (1 Corinthians 8:1-13).

Failing to take them into account proves that we do not really love them.  The workplace allows little room for our feelings and emotional reactions; and we may be distressed by the strident opinions of others or saddened by their actions, particularly when that exerts a pressure on us to act against our conscience.  When that happens in the church we need to repent, especially if what we say or do causes people to be uncertain of their faith or stumble in their confidence towards God.  We must learn to think ahead and prayerfully evaluate how our actions will affect the spiritual life of our Christian brothers and sisters.