As we continue our study of the Book of Romans, we pick up at verse one of Chapter 14. Paul is discussing the different ways we see things, and feel about things because of our past. He asks us to respect each other, and be there for each other as we work together for the Lord.
He writes: “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another whose faith is weak eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master; servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.”
(Romans 14: 1-4)
We are all weak in some areas, and strong in others. It has been said, “Our faith is strong in an area if we can survive contact with those who are living wrong without falling into their patterns. Our faith is weak in an area if we must avoid certain activities, or people, or places in order to protect our spiritual life. We want to influence others for good, rather than be influenced by them if that influence is harmful, but we must be comfortable and strong. We must not put ourselves in uncomfortable or unsure positions if we know we are not ready to stand without question in our mind, and discuss why we feel the way we do.
Paul said, “Accept the one whose faith is weak in an area without quarreling over disputable matters.” Be open to discussions. Differences should not be feared or avoided, but accepted and handled with Love. Don’t expect everyone to agree, but be willing to discuss the matter with an attitude of “let us learn together.” Let us seek what the Word teaches, be ready to accept change on either side of the discussion if shown where a wrong opinion may have been, and always agree to discuss with respect . Differences need not cause division. They can be a source of learning and richness in our relationships. Let us never have an attitude of being correct in everything in our spiritual walk. Let us always be ready to learn, and ready to teach what we believe to be correct. Whether we feel weak, or strong in our faith, let us grow in all areas as we study and ask the Holy Spirit to bring truth to us from His Presence, and from the Word, and from circumstances the Lord brings, or allows to come into our Lives.
May the Lord bless you in all things, and in all ways, God’s Beloveds. Learn and grow and become as one in Faith in Him as you walk together in His Love.