Romans Part 6: RESPONSESample

A Challenge for Christian Community

Paul begins these verses by getting right to the point. Why do you pass judgment on your brother? It is a great question, even today. It is so easy to fall into judgment and despise others who see things differently than we do or who struggle with things that we don’t struggle with. But notice also that Paul is talking specifically about how you and I as believers treat other believers in Christ, our brothers and sisters in Christ. He reminds us that we are all family and all belong to Christ. We are family and all belong to God, not because of our actions, but because of God’s, not because of our love, but because of God’s. In spite of our sin and unworthiness to be adopted, forgiven, and made part of God’s eternal family, we are all part of the family of God, so then, why do we judge and despise one another?

Why can’t we just listen, love, and tolerate differences of opinion that do not compromise the Gospel of Christ? Jesus said that we are to be known for our love for one another. Jesus prayed in John 17 that we would be one (with all of our differences).

To the Colossian believers, Paul writes this (Col 3:15):

15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

As members of one body, you are to let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. What is the peace of Christ? It is the Gospel! This is to be our focus. This is to be what rules in our hearts. This is what we are to be thankful for. In spite of our differences, challenges, and struggles, we are to make Christ and what He has done for us the focus. It is to be what rules in our relationships in the body of Christ! We must stop trying to create a pecking order in the family of God! After all, what does Paul go on to say in verses 10-12 of Romans 14? “Who is the Judge? God is the judge.” Who will have to give an account of himself to God? Each of us. Who will bow the knee to Jesus and confess to God? Everyone.

So the important question is, “How are you treating God’s kids?” Are you judging, despising, and criticizing, or are you welcoming, loving, forgiving, and living in a community with those brothers and sisters in Christ who are different from you?

-Steve Moody