Our Duty to Love God's Chosen, Not to Judge
Scripture Passage: Romans 14:13-18 (NASB)
13 Therefore let’s not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this: not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s or sister’s way. 14 I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to the one who thinks something is unclean, to that person it is unclean. 15 For if because of food your brother or sister is hurt, you are no longer walking in accordance with love. Do not destroy with your choice of food that person for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For the one who serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and approved by other people.
SUMMARY
Paul tells believers that we should not judge others, and not put an obstacle or stumbling block in other people's lives. It is our job to ignore little things others do even though it might bother us. Rather, Paul focuses on what we should rightly do in God: focus on righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
REFLECTION
Paul's message is so simple and true to understand, and yet we tend to forget to behave in the righteous way, which is to love our brothers and sisters with love, without any judgment.
If God loves each one of us though we have so many faults, we need to accept others because they are also chosen by God. It is our duty to love them even if they are different from us. God has His own plan and time for each one of us, and we just have to work together to produce fruits of love.
APPLICATION
As an Oikos leader, I learned how to lead and love others who are very different from me. It was a good training to get to know and accept them as God loved them. As we are heading towards the second year of leading the group, I pray that we all build to love each other more and use this time to produce the genuine fruits of love.
PRAYER
God, each one of us is so different but we are all created by your love. Help us to love and accept each other to understand the great mission you have planned for us and for all the Holywave members. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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