Romans 14
ScriptureRomans 14:19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.Observation - What does it say?The Apostle Paul is teaching about “disputable matters.” There are things that scripture isn’t incredibly clear about when it comes to what we define as acceptable Christian behavior. In Rome, some of their “disputable matters” were eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols, viewing certain days being more sacred than others, eating certain meats and drinking wine. In the family of God, people have different convictions about these things the Bible isn’t explicit about. And Paul’s challenge is to stop judging one another over these “disputable matters,” and to do everything possible to promote peace and build each other up.Understanding - What does it mean?Disputable matters should never be allowed to cause judging or division among God's people.At the end of the passage Paul says, “whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.” We must avoid the tendency to judge others or project our views onto the lives of others.During my time in Bible College, God convicted me about owning some movies that contained content I didn’t think he wanted me to be watching. I responded by throwing away a bunch of those movies. A few weeks later I was in a friend’s dorm room and I saw on his bookshelf some of the same movies I had thrown away. I thought to myself, “I guess he’s not as far along in his spiritual journey. I’m sure God will speak to him about it at the right time.” I now recognize that in that moment I judged him. I judged him based on my person conviction about something that falls into the category of “disputable matters.”As followers of Christ, our job isn’t to judge but to love, promote peace and build each other up.Life ApplicationDon’t judge others, but make every effort to love and build others up.
God, thank you for placing me in your church family. Keep these “disputable matters” from causing judging and division among us. I pray unity, love and peace over our church. May we not waste any time arguing about “disputable matters.” Instead keep us focused on what’s really important: loving you and loving others. Amen.
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- Levi Thompson