Romans 14:1-4

Passage

And receive the one who is weak in faith, but not into disputes of differences of opinion.  On one hand one person believes to eat all things, while on the other hand the weak one eats vegetables.  Do not let the one who eats despise the one who does not eat.  And do not let the one who does not eat judge the one who eats, for God received him.  Who are you – one who judges the household slave of another person?  He stands or he falls by his own lord.  And he will be lifted up, for the Lord is powerful enough to stand him up.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul begins this new chapter with a reminder to the strong that it is our job to receive the weak.  We who have strong faith have no reason to look down upon those who are weaker in the faith.  After all, we all have all been weak at one moment or another.  The only reason that any of us can be strong in the faith is because God worked through strong people as mentors in our life.  When we are weak, it is our proximity to the strong in the Lord that gives us any chance at all!

Who are the people that received you when you were weak in faith?  Who are the weak ones around you that you can receive into your strength?

Second Thought:

Note, however, that Paul makes a specific point about not welcoming disputes over differences of opinions.  I think this is a serious commentary upon human culture.  We far more readily create identity about that which separates us than that which unites us.  We are always looking to set ourselves apart and to be victorious over others.  Christianity is not built upon this dynamic.  Christians are to focus on Christ and our being called to die for Him as He died for us.  It is not up to us to quibble with one another and be victorious over one another.  Rather, it is up to us to come together in what God would have us become.

Why do human beings like to debate and argue?  How many things about which we argue are truly significant?

Third Thought:

Finally, Paul reminds us that we are not the judge over one another.  God is ultimately our judge.  I cannot judge a person righteous or unrighteous.  The best I can possibly hope for is to determine if I am doing the righteous things to which God has called me.  I can certainly help those people who desire to imitate how God is working through me, but I cannot judge over them.  I can welcome people into my presence, but far be it from me to judge their righteousness!

How readily do you pass judgments upon others?  What does it look like when you pass judgments?  Why are we quick to judge others?  How can you learn to welcome people into your life without putting yourself as judge over them?

Passage for Tomorrow: Romans 14:5-8