Romans 14:1-4 (NKJV): Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. 4 Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.
Why are we so quick to hurt those around us? Why don’t we realize that all of us are dealing with struggles? Why are we not quicker to help each other rather than cast blame? Why are we not able to put ourselves to the side to help someone else or see that people are willing to help us if we just ask or even tell them what it is we need help with?
Simple answer, Sin!
We really need to look at this word for a minute before we move forward. So, what does sin mean?
Wikipedia defines it this way: In a religious context, sin is the act of violating God’s will. Sin can also be viewed as anything that violates the ideal relationship between an individual and God; or as any diversion from the perceived ideal order for human living. To sin has been defined as “to miss the mark”. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sin, January 19, 2018)
It is said that many do not know what is sin or what is not sin unless they have been educated. In fact, many who are believers, who mean well, would try to define certain things as sin, like eating certain foods. However, with a proper study of The Word, they would find that it’s ok for them to abstain from certain foods if they choose but, it’s not ok for them to try to force this on others.
The only exception to this is of course, anything that would inhibit our Relationship with Jesus, which would include alcohol or anything else that makes us incapacitated.
Ephesians 5:17-21 (NKJV): Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.
We need to be careful about making sure someone is truly walking away from their Relationship with The Lord before we come to correct them. It could be that they are just going through something for a period of growth for themselves or for others around them.
Romans 14:4, 12-13 (NKJV): 4Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.
12So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.
We are to correct each other when we are off in doctrine. We are to guide each other when we go astray. However, it is to be done in gentleness. Even when we correct someone who appears to be a false teacher, even that is to be done in gentleness, with the Leading of The Holy Spirit.
Matthew 7:1-5 (NKJV): Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Let’s agree to something today. If we see someone stumbling or if we think we see someone stumbling, first, let’s go in prayer for that person, then let’s talk to them and ask questions about what they are doing. Let us put our gloves away and talk to each other about what’s going on. We may find that we will gain more results this way.
Call out to Him and seek his Love and Forgiveness. It really is as hard or easy as you make it.
We should look to Him daily to seek a relationship with Him. I want to encourage you to seek Him today, if you haven’t already. If you need help, have questions or need direction in this regard, please, feel free to let me know.
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Any scripture referenced here is taken from New King James Version (NKJV) unless otherwise noted
