Everyday Prayers for Joyنموونە

Joy Found in Loving Our Brother

In Romans 14, we see Paul bravely addressing how believers are called to treat each other when they have different convictions about issues when there are no clear answers. He addresses those believers who felt free to do things that were formerly forbidden under the law of Moses. He basically tells them, “Don’t flaunt your freedom! Don’t judge each other! Don’t hold onto your freedom if it causes someone else to stumble.” He was encouraging believers to accept each other even when they differ on some convictions. Paul may have sided with a particular group, but he encouraged them all to not despise those who thought differently.

The faith of another believer is more important than our opinions on less important issues. We need to always relate to each other in love, even if we don’t agree on some things.

It is easy to move into an unloving and judgmental way of thinking. It takes a lot of prayers, time in the Word, and nurturing our relationship with God for this sinful attitude of the heart to be exposed and changed. Sometimes it can be so subtle that we don’t even recognize it for what it is.

It is important to remember that although our freedom in Christ and our convictions are important, they are not the main point. The ultimate prize is the kingdom of God. We are righteous because God says we are righteous as soon as we accept His free gift of salvation. Peace and joy come because we are given the Holy Spirit. Our security does not come from our actions but from our relationship with God.

We are never justified in having a critical or judgmental attitude toward another individual, or in proudly declaring our freedom in Christ. Our focus should be on strengthening our brothers and sisters in Christ, loving them, and thanking God for His blessings as members of the body of Christ.

Father, thank You for declaring me righteous in Your eyes and thank You that my place with You is secure. I know I can depend on Christ’s death on the cross that has covered my sin, and I don’t have to do anything to earn my salvation. Help me to experience the peace and joy that only your Spirit can give as I walk in this reality today.

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