Their Own History

Scripture: Romans 14 (Click Link) Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently. (Romans 14:1 MSG) How incredibly much energy is wasted, and how devastatingly the Body of Christ is weakened and fragmented, when we criticize and separate and build fences based on whether we all agree on every point of doctrine and practice! (Let’s build bridges, not fences and walls!) And this: How about if we welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way we do? Why not find common ground of faith instead of drawing lines in the sand? (Let’s look for common ground, not points of difference!) Everyone has their own history to deal with. The different backgrounds we come from, and the different life-experiences we’ve had, influence so much of what we think and feel! What if we listened to their story and told them our story and got to know each other and the history we’re all dealing with, instead of jumping on little differences in the non-essentials of our common faith in Jesus! (When we really get to know each other, we’ll find we’re all part of the same family – God’s family.) 19 So let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; 20 don’t drag them down by finding fault. (Romans 14:19-20a MSG) Friends, will you join me in a commitment to spend more energy in getting along with other people than we spend in arguing, building fences, and finding fault? We can make this better! Prayer: Father, I purpose to use my energy in getting along with others, even those who don’t see things exactly the way I do. I will help others with encouraging words. I will build them up and not drag them down by finding fault. Amen.