Work For Unity

May 27, 2019

‘Accept other believers who are weak in faith.’Romans 14:1 NLT

Around Jesus’ time cities like Rome attracted people from many different cultures, languages, religions and customs. Consequently the mission to ‘make disciples of all the nations’ (Matthew 28:19 NLT) sometimes led to conflict and confusion. For example, some believers continued to observe a seventh-day Sabbath, while others wanted to remain vegetarians in case the meat on their plate had been offered to idols. It’s the reason Paul wrote, ‘Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.’

Note, he didn’t tell us to tolerate or put up with them, but to ‘accept’, welcome, receive, acknowledge, and make allowance for thoem. Even though the issues we deal with today are different from those of the early church, it’s easy to become divisive and judgmental. But remember, ‘Each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble.’ (Romans 14:12–13 NLT)

When legitimate differences arise behave in a Christ-like way without picking fights, criticising or looking down on people. Satan’s goal is to side-track us looking at minor details while God’s Kingdom suffers. Instead, ‘Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.’ (Romans 12:10 NIV) Learn to respect your fellow believers because of Whose they are! Paul writes, ‘May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify… God.’ (Romans 15:5–6 NIV)

SoulFood: 1 Ki 21–22, Mark 10:1–12, Ps 82, Pro 12:18–19
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©

Previous The Word for Today devotions

SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
  12345
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
       
   1234
262728    
       
  12345
2728     
       
28      
       
      1
       
     12
       

Please sign me up to receive The Word for Today daily email