Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Danger of Criticism
1 Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. 2 For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. 3 Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. 4 Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? They are responsible to the Lord, so let him judge whether they are right or wrong. And with the Lord’s help, they will do what is right and will receive his approval.
We tend to divide into our little groups which is contrary to the teaching of scripture. In the Apostle Paul’s New Testament letters, he emphasizes unity in the body of Christ. Earlier in Romans, he spoke of the sameness of believers, whether Jews or Gentile. They are one in Christ Jesus. In today’s passage, he again encourages believers to be accepting of other believers, even when they disagree on how they practice their faith (what should or should not be eaten).
In Max Lucado’s, “In the Grip of Grace”, he writes about unity among believers.
God has enlisted us in his navy and placed us on his ship…it’s a battleship…There is concern, however, regarding disharmony of the crew…The variety of dress… the plethora of opinions…And oh, how we tend to cluster.
Jesus, knowing the end is near, prays one final time for his followers… He prayed for their unity. He prayed that they would love each other.
Purpose in your life, in your family, in your circle of influence, to live as Jesus calls you … loving one another!
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