February 23rd~ Romans 14:1-13a
We all are weak in some areas and strong in others. The bottom line is how we treat others. How do you react when you see a Baptist in a bar drinking alcohol? How do you react when you see a Catholic eating meat on Friday during Lent? How do you react when a Christian celebrates Sukkot?
“Now about food sacrificed to idols. We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up, while love builds up. Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God.” 1 Corinthians 8:1-3
“Whoever regards one day to God, and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.” Romans 14:6-9
Our faith is strong in an area if we can survive contact with sinners without falling into their patterns. It is weak in an area if we must avoid certain activities, people, or places in order to protect our spiritual life. It is important to take a self-inventory in order to find out our strengths and weaknesses. Whenever in doubt, we should ask, “Can I do that without sinning? Can I influence others for good, rather than being influenced by them?”
In areas of strength, we should not fear being defiled by the world; rather we should go and serve God. In areas of weakness, we need to be cautious. If we have a strong faith, but shelter it, we are not doing Christ’s work in the world. If we have a weak faith but expose it, we are being extremely foolish.
Paul responds to both weak Christians and strong Christians in love. We are to do all we can to help one another live to the glory of God.
“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” (v. 12)
Many times Christians base their moral judgments on opinions, personal dislikes, or cultural bias rather than on the Word of God. When they do this, they show that their own faith is weak. They do not think God is powerful enough to guide His children. When we stand before God’s judgment seat, we won’t be worried about what our Christian neighbor has done.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body; whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10
Paul is reminding us in these verses to be strong in the faith and sensitive to others needs. Because we are all strong in some areas and weak in others, we need to constantly monitor the effects of our behavior on others.
“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.” (v. 13a)
I challenge you today to notice how many times you judge others, and as you notice, let it soften your heart.
Till next week,
Lisa
Tomorrow we will continue our learning of freedom and love in Romans 14:13b-23