Romans 14:13-21
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Devotion
In verse thirteen, Paul lets us know that our goal must be to help all believers grow into spiritual maturity and not to hinder their progress. When we argue with other believers over disputable matters, we become a “stumbling block” and hinder their spiritual growth. If we choose to love them deeply instead, we model Christ’s life and actually encourage them in their spiritual journey.
A strong Christian must live in love and not violate the conscience of a weak believer. The conscience is the moral faculty of the mind. It can be educated by God through the Holy Spirit, but we must never teach others to go against their conscience. “Do not destroy” means that we can cause a person’s spiritual ruin by teaching them to ignore or violate their conscience. The Holy Spirit can convict the weaker brother concerning disputable matters. We must always leave this work to the Holy Spirit and model Christ-like behavior.
Christian liberty will get a bad reputation if love does not govern it. We are to promote righteousness, peace, and joy in the Body of Christ. Our actions should serve Christ and help other believers grow and flourish. It is very difficult to pursue peace when we are constantly arguing over disputable matters. There are times when we may have to exercise restraint in living out our Christian liberty for the benefit of others. We must act responsibly, always keeping in mind the weaker brother. Keep this in mind: “Love covers over a multitude of offenses” (I Peter 4:8).
Questions to Ponder
Do you sometimes feel like you need to help the Holy Spirit when dealing with a weaker brother or sister? Have you ever gotten in the way of someone else’s spiritual growth? What does it mean to pursue peace? How are you actively encouraging others to grow in their faith?
Prayer Points
- Rejoice in this day, for the Lord has made it and let us be glad. Thank Him for breath and life in Him and with Him. Thank Him for your friends, family, our church family, Pastor Bob and Shirley, and all our pastors and elders. Thank Him for your boss, child’s teacher, etc. Thank Him out of your own heart.
- Confess any sin that you have cherished in your heart. Confess running to evil or passing along information that is harmful and hurtful and grieves the Holy Spirit within you.
- Thank the Lord for those throughout your life who have actively encouraged you in your walk. Shoot them a text of thanksgiving.
- Pray for help from the LORD for opportunities to pursue peace today and this week, especially in the midst of the election and results surrounding that.
Suggested Prayer
Faithful Father, I lift up all those at the poles today and ask again, Father, that You put a wall of fire of protection around every place. I ask that You would go before each place and release Your peace, love, and grace. Work in and through Your people to respond and react in love, demonstrate the power of submission, and reflect a servant heart even during the voting. Lord, cause the media to report accurately and in a way that honors You. Father, I ask for Your will to be done in the candidates as it is in heaven. Bring forth the person You want for this next season in America. Cause them to lead “low” by serving others and making You great. Grant them favor with You and lead them on the straight path. For all those who lost in the different areas, prepare their hearts and minds and protect them from being distraught. Comfort them and lead them into Your plans and ways. May the name of Jesus Christ be high and lifted up all across America. I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.