Romans 14:6

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 14:6 (KJV)

Context

In Romans 14, the Apostle Paul addresses believers in Rome who disagreed over two practical matters: the observance of special days and the eating of certain foods. Some Christians, especially those from Jewish backgrounds, continued to honor Jewish holy days and followed dietary restrictions. Others, likely Gentile believers, treated every day alike and ate freely. Paul’s concern is not to settle which practice is correct, but to teach that both can honor the Lord when done with the right heart.

Meaning

The verse presents two parallel situations. First, the person who regards a particular day does so “unto the Lord,” meaning the observance is directed to Him as an act of devotion. Likewise, the person who does not regard the day also acts “unto the Lord,” treating every day as equally belonging to God. Second, the one who eats gives God thanks, and the one who abstains also gives God thanks. The Greek word translated “regardeth” carries the idea of setting one’s mind on something, indicating a deliberate and thoughtful choice. The phrase “unto the Lord” is a dative of advantage, showing that the action is done for the Lord’s honor. Both the eater and the abstainer are motivated by gratitude, and both direct their practice to God.

Biblical connections

Paul’s teaching here connects to the wider argument of Romans 14. In verse 5, he says, “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind,” urging each believer to act according to conscience. In verses 7-8, he explains that no one lives to himself, for whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. This reinforces the principle that our choices, even in non-essential matters, are made before God. Paul continues in verses 13-23, warning against judging one another and against putting a stumbling block in a brother’s way. The central point is that motivation matters: believers are free in Christ, but they must exercise that liberty with gratitude and love.

Application

This verse calls believers to examine their own motives in areas of personal conviction. Whether we choose to observe a day or treat all days alike, whether we eat or abstain, the question is whether we do it unto the Lord with thanksgiving. It also teaches us to accept fellow believers who hold different convictions in such matters, without imposing our own standards on them. The goal is not uniformity in practice, but unity in honoring God.

Reflection

Consider your own convictions about days, food, or other non-essential practices. Are they held with a heart of gratitude toward God? Do you allow others the same freedom you claim for yourself? Romans 14:6 reminds us that the Lord is the audience of our daily choices, and He receives our sincere devotion whether we regard or do not regard, eat or abstain.