Romans Part 6: RESPONSESample

Living Together in the Kingdom!

As we continue our series through the Book of Romans, we see that in chapters 12 through 15, Paul speaks of the responsibilities of the Christian life. In matters of our Christian freedoms, we must be mindful of each other. We are asked to be considerate of fellow believers. Not always easy. After all, we are all human!

In verse 1 of chapter 14, we are encouraged to "receive" or " accept" those in the church who may be in a different stage in their "Faith walk.” Paul uses the terms "weak" and "strong.” We are called to respect each other. In every church, and in our church, we will have both--weak and strong. Nothing wrong with that. All of us started somewhere at some time. All of us will experience times of weakness and times of doubt. Some are new to this "faith journey" and perhaps are confused by a change of the heart and even a change in their lifestyle, --new territory! This is understandable. But Jesus is at work in them, and "He who has begun a good work will see it through..."

So, those who have walked this road for decades are called to be considerate of those new to the faith. It is very easy to pass on opinions or judgment, easier than it is to come alongside and love folks (Romans 12:10) where they are.

Verses 2 and 3 tell how easy it is for us to judge others. For example, we may ask, “Why do they do that? Do they really believe?” or “Did they really say that? Why don't they just grow up?” And on and on......

Our pride and ego get us in trouble here. God can work in us, in all of us, when humility is present. When we get out of the way, the Holy Spirit begins to shape our hearts and minds. We then understand the truth of Romans 13:10.

In verse 4, we are reminded that God is the one who judges. God is the one who will help us to stand! Only by His power and work in our lives can we love others as He does. If God, by his unreasonable Grace, calls us His children and loves us so much that He sent His only son to die for us, in spite of us, then surely we should see each believer weak or strong, young or old, as a child of the King! All this because Jesus changes everything!!

-Mike DeJager