Redeemed and Rewritten - Part XIV
Scripture:
“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died.” – Romans 14:13-15 (NIV)
Observation:
Wow! What a Word we received this past week! On Sunday, Pastor Julius discussed Romans chapter 14, and it was an exhortation for those looking to mature in their faith! The above scripture discusses our need to take responsibility for our own actions and freedoms, reminding us that just because we have the freedom to do something doesn’t necessarily mean that we should, especially if it is something that could be a struggle for a brother or sister in Christ. In other words, don’t flaunt your liberty! Your engagement in such things could hinder your neighbors’ growth. It takes a state of maturity to realize that just because you can doesn’t mean you should, and it takes an even bigger state of growth to place your selfish wants aside for the sake of someone else’s freedom.
1 Corinthians 10:23-24 states, “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”
Jesus told us, “The first and greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart and soul, and the second is to love your neighbor as yourself.” How do we love our neighbor? What does that look like?
We show love in action.
We show love in sacrifice.
We show love the way Jesus shows His love for us.
Application:
When evaluating certain habits in your life, is there anything you could think of that could be considered a stumbling block to your brother or sister in Christ? Be honest and ask yourself: Am I my brother’s keeper? Am I keeping my brother or sister from living righteously? If I know my brother has a gambling problem, should I whip out a deck of cards in front of him? If I know my sister has a drinking problem, should I drink in front of her?
Although you may be mature in these areas and have the freedom to engage in these things, is it beneficial for you to engage in these behaviors knowing that your neighbor may struggle? Reflect on how you can show love in action. Do your personal freedoms trump your love for your neighbor? Don’t allow your Christian liberty to become someone else’s liability!
Jesus had a choice! He did not have to endure the cross, but He did; because His love for us was greater than the freedom He had to meet his own personal wants. May we never forget that!
Prayer:
Father, we thank you for who You are. We thank you that ‘while we were sinners, your son died for us.’ May we always strive to be like Christ and put others before ourselves. May we strive to love God and love people, not only with our words but with our actions. Let us not be a ‘stumbling block’ for our brothers and sisters but, instead, be an example of Christ’s holiness in all that we do. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen!