Prinicples of Conscience: Romans 14

Let Us Not Criticize One Another Anymore.

Romans 14:13 AMP

There are several good messages in this chapter of Romans. I want to pull out a few verses.

 Verse 1,  

As for the ^[a]one whose faith is weak, accept him [into your fellowship], but not for [the purpose of] quarreling over his opinions. 

I know from my own experience how easy it is to get caught up in arguments with other believers over trivial matters. This does not do any good for the body of believers. It also turns away unbelievers.

Verse 4 reads,  

 Who are you to judge the servant of another? Before his own master he stands [approved] or falls [out of favor]. And he [who serves the Master—the Lord] will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 

It is not my place to judge another believer, however, if someone sins I am to speak the truth in love to win the person back.

Verse 10,
But you, why do you criticize your brother? Or you again, why do you look down on your [believing] brother or regard him with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God [who alone is judge]. 

I am thankful that there is only one judge. I am often guilty of judging others, therefore, I have to ask God to help me see them as He does and to forgive me of my critical spirit. 

Verse 13,
Then let us not criticize one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block or a source of temptation in another believer’s way.  

This is how I am to live among my fellow believers. On my own it is not possible but with Jesus all things are possible. It is by my actions and being like Jesus that I can influence another to grow spiritually. I am to be considerate and not do something to cause another to stumble.

Verse 19,
So then, let us pursue [with enthusiasm] the things which make for peace and the building up of one another [things which lead to spiritual growth]. 

It is by my example and the words that I use that others are encouraged to good works or drawn to Christ. All the time speaking the truth in love and living out Jesus's words to me.

In conclusion, I, with the Lord's help, am to be a living example of Jesus, to speak the truth in love, to encourage others on to good works, and live in peace with other believers. Most importantly, I am to no longer criticize my fellow believers for God is the only judge.

My Prayer: Dear Jesus, please forgive me of my critical spirit. Give me eyes to see others as You do. Help me to speak the truth in love and to encourage others on to good works. Amen.

Footnotes:

1. Romans 14:1 Some Jewish believers may have struggled with abandoning all the old requirements of the Law regarding eating things considered unclean, while some Gentile believers may have been overly sensitive to anything associated with paganism, such as eating meat offered to idols.