Introduction: Why should we give THANKS before a meal? Does it say to give THANKS in the Bible before eating? Where?

Paul who was led by the Holy Spirit reminds believers to THANK Jesus for our food?

Writing to the CHRISTians in the Church of Rome, He declares that we are to “Say the BLESSING” without being a BURDEN.”

(Rom 14:6)

“6He 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.”

1. What is he talking about? (Rom 14:6)

“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.”

Evidently, there was a conflict between “weaker” CHRISTians and “stronger” CHRISTians.”

The weaker ones could not stand the thought of eating meat offered to IDOLS. But to the stronger believers there was no problem in their mind to eat meat even though it had been offered to idols. According to them, there was only one true and living God.

2. Who is he talking to? (Rom 14:6)

“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.”

Paul lays down the argument for the stronger CHRISTians not to eat the meat even though they had a clear conscience. The reason being is because it became a “stumbling block” to the weaker CHRISTians. 

“13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. 14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died” (Rom 14:13-15).

This situation brings light on our present day – nonchalant – attitude, i.e. it does not matter how I live or how I treat others as long as I give THANKS. But it really does matter to our Lord according to this passage of Scripture.

Conclusion: The bottom line: 

“10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” (Rom 14:10).

So we are to give THANKS before our meal with a clear conscience and not become a stumbling block to other CHRISTians. 

THANKSGIVING and THANKLIVING go hand in hand.