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 Romans 14 - The Christian Principles of Acceptance and Non-Condemnation

Each of us is responsible to God.  He will judge whether we are right or wrong.  God’s approval matters.  In fact, each of us will give a personal account to God. Our righteousness is through trust in what Jesus did for us on the cross.  And as we stand before God's judgment seat, we will be measured by how much we love our neighbors.

Faith without acts of love for other people is dead.  As we indulge our evil desires of lust, hate, anger, greed, selfishness, and jealousy we harm other people; we fail to obey God’s requirement to love others.

Some people have a strong relationship with the Creator.  They have a mature faith, a deep understanding of the love of God, and freedom in Christ.  They, like Paul, know Him and His ways and requirements.  They follow God’s ways and are joyful.  They do not ignore God.  They find truth, life, and favor from Him.  They hate evil: pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverse speech.  Other believers barely know Him.  They have faith like a mustard seed, weak and small.  How we treat other believers who are weak in faith matters.  Our attitude toward them matters greatly.

        If you’ve spent any time in the Church you’ll know there is a wide spectrum of faith in Christ.  Some are babies in the faith and are young children.  Other times the young children are those with immense faith.  Some infants in the faith are well into their 80s; I kid you not.  Do not argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.  Arguing is futile.

We see here the principle of Christian acceptance, forbearance, and love for the baby Christians (whatever their age).  Be patient for God is patient with all of us.  Do not confuse this principle’s application of freedom in Christ with tolerance or acceptance of dark deeds (see the previous chapter, 12). 

The biblical theme of each servant being responsible to Master Jesus (14:4) is crystal clear here.  With Jesus’ help, we can do what is right and good.

We also see the principle of non-condemnation.  Do not put yourself in a position of being Jesus.  You are not Him.  Do you think every knee will bend to you?  Will every tongue confess you are God?  You and I will give our personal accounts to God.  We must live out Romans 12 with the attitude of applying the principles of Romans 13.

Aim to please the Lord Jesus Christ and thank Him for what you eat and drink.  Aim to honor God.  In life and death aim to honor God.

Do not distress others or add strife and burden to them.  God’s yoke is light.  As brothers in Christ, we should have the same effect.  Ask yourself: have you added stress and burden to others lately, or lightened their load?  Find ways to show others love.  And show others how you put on the shining armor of right living.

Live a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  Serve Christ with this attitude.  Aim for harmony and build each other up.  Being a peacemaker does not mean you are weak.  On the contrary, that requires Christ-like strength.

        Lord God, you prayed that we would be unified and live in harmony.  May we be so.  May we be the blessed ones who hear you and live with clear consciences.

        I trust you.  I know you want me here and that you desire me to obey your Word.  Please help me to be your man today.  And to encourage others to serve you alone.  Amen.

Kari with her latest stained glass masterpiece.   She loves her prairie themes.


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