Romans 14:1-4
Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do.
Like those who mix faith and politics, those who support the war, those who close themselves off in their suburban ghettos, those who don't think critically, those who use isolated Scripture passages to support their opinions.
And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with - don't get all self-righteous and prideful and sit in the back of the church pointing out how consumeristic worship has become, or how you would never preach such a shallow sermon, or how you are so glad you are not like all these other Christians who clap and sing and smile for Jesus, while they seem to ignore that following Him is hard as hell sometimes. - 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.
They may lack love, lack community, experience rejection, wonder at their purpose, have deep issues, be unable to communicate, live in fear, struggle for approval. Kind of like you...
Treat them gently.
Like God has treated you. Like God treats you every single minute of every single day.
For instance, a person who has been around for a while might well be convinced that he can eat anything on the table, while another, with a different background, might assume all Christians should be vegeterians and eat accordingly.
Some may think alcohol is from Satan. Some may think the Beatles are from Satan. Some may think dancing is from Satan. And some may think this culture is evil, too evil for redemption, so they chose to keep it at arm's length.
But since both are guests at Christ's table, wouldn't it be terribly rude if they fell to criticising what the other ate or didn't eat? God, after all, invited them both to the table.
Do you have any business crossing people off the guest list or interfering with God's welcome? If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle it without your help.
I am so sorry. Teach me to speak truth with grace, and keep me from grace-defying judgement.
Like those who mix faith and politics, those who support the war, those who close themselves off in their suburban ghettos, those who don't think critically, those who use isolated Scripture passages to support their opinions.
And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with - don't get all self-righteous and prideful and sit in the back of the church pointing out how consumeristic worship has become, or how you would never preach such a shallow sermon, or how you are so glad you are not like all these other Christians who clap and sing and smile for Jesus, while they seem to ignore that following Him is hard as hell sometimes. - 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.
They may lack love, lack community, experience rejection, wonder at their purpose, have deep issues, be unable to communicate, live in fear, struggle for approval. Kind of like you...
Treat them gently.
Like God has treated you. Like God treats you every single minute of every single day.
For instance, a person who has been around for a while might well be convinced that he can eat anything on the table, while another, with a different background, might assume all Christians should be vegeterians and eat accordingly.
Some may think alcohol is from Satan. Some may think the Beatles are from Satan. Some may think dancing is from Satan. And some may think this culture is evil, too evil for redemption, so they chose to keep it at arm's length.
But since both are guests at Christ's table, wouldn't it be terribly rude if they fell to criticising what the other ate or didn't eat? God, after all, invited them both to the table.
Do you have any business crossing people off the guest list or interfering with God's welcome? If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle it without your help.
I am so sorry. Teach me to speak truth with grace, and keep me from grace-defying judgement.
posted by Thais at 10:30 AM
1 Comments:
the pastor at the church i went to on sunday totally preached this on sunday...
Post a Comment
<< Home