July 31
Romans 14:1-23
Paul continues in Romans 14 with the theme of relationships. In this chapter we are challenged to consider how we respond to people with whom we do not see eye to eye. When we interact with someone with whom we disagree on non-Biblical commands, we are to respond with humility, sensitivity, and love. The issues may range from schooling, entertainment, use of free time, ways we spend money, or, as in Romans 14, the food we eat or the days we consider special. Our initial response to these people can be to argue and try to prove that we are right. Instead, God tells us to agree to disagree (on things to which the Bible does not speak clearly) and choose love.
This may seem like post-modern relativism, but on nonmoral issues, two different answers can both be right. What is right for someone else may not be right for us. What is essential is that all people look to God and live to please him. Verse 19 says, "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” We are to live in a way that pursues harmony and the maturity of others. We are to be more concerned about others than about us asserting our rights or being right.
Father God, may your Spirit clearly lead me in every area of life. Help me to obey what you have clearly told me and, in areas where you have not spoken, help me to walk in the freedom and guidance that your Spirit gives. Amen.
Why do we so often want to prove we are right on areas where the Bible does not clearly speak? How can we actively work on responding with love and humility in these situations?
Paul continues in Romans 14 with the theme of relationships. In this chapter we are challenged to consider how we respond to people with whom we do not see eye to eye. When we interact with someone with whom we disagree on non-Biblical commands, we are to respond with humility, sensitivity, and love. The issues may range from schooling, entertainment, use of free time, ways we spend money, or, as in Romans 14, the food we eat or the days we consider special. Our initial response to these people can be to argue and try to prove that we are right. Instead, God tells us to agree to disagree (on things to which the Bible does not speak clearly) and choose love.
This may seem like post-modern relativism, but on nonmoral issues, two different answers can both be right. What is right for someone else may not be right for us. What is essential is that all people look to God and live to please him. Verse 19 says, "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” We are to live in a way that pursues harmony and the maturity of others. We are to be more concerned about others than about us asserting our rights or being right.
Father God, may your Spirit clearly lead me in every area of life. Help me to obey what you have clearly told me and, in areas where you have not spoken, help me to walk in the freedom and guidance that your Spirit gives. Amen.
Why do we so often want to prove we are right on areas where the Bible does not clearly speak? How can we actively work on responding with love and humility in these situations?
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