“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.” Romans 14:1
We all want it – Acceptance. That intangible sense of belonging. But how often do we place conditions on our acceptance of others?
I’m not certain Paul could have been any clearer. Simply put, this means that no matter what struggle someone may be facing, where they’re at on the journey, or even a personal issue we may have with them, we are to accept them because they are our brothers and sisters in Christ. God chose them to be part of His family – just as He chose each of us.
We don’t have the right to pass judgment. Judgment is reserved for God alone. In Romans 14: 4 & 10, Paul admonishes that we are in no position to pass judgment. “Who are you to judge…Why do you judge?” Only God sees a man’s heart and therefore, only God can change it. Only God knows the honesty behind the motives. Only God sits on the judgment seat.
Sometimes, people twist their judgments into reasons to try and change someone who is not as “Christian” as they consider themselves to be. Let me just say, this is completely misguided and totally wrong! Weak faith or a stumbling block does not make someone less of a Christian. It makes them human (just like you and me) and as such, a work in progress. So let’s be patient with one another – God’s not done with us yet!
Kelly McGaha