Freedom was built into God’s creative order and is to be experienced in His family – the Church. One reason that far too many Christians aren’t experiencing freedom is because they have not been accepted by the family of God. We must understand when people come together with all of their differences, there will be conflict. And much of the chaos we experience in our families and church is over preferential confusion – trying to force others to accept our opinions or change them based on our personal preferences.
The Apostle Paul says we must learn to accept one another as Christ has accepted us. How do we move forward as a church and live free? We are not to judge others based on our personal preferences or opinions. If something violates God’s Word or standards, we are to judge. When sin or wrongdoing is involved, the church (God’s people) must address it.
Christians hold other Christians in bondage over something the Bible never talks ...about or they treat their opinions as legislation that comes from God. Anything that God condemns, flee from it. Anything that God condones, go for it. If God doesn’t specifically address a situation in His Word, then it’s your decision. Then how do we make decisions on what God has not spoken about? Your conscience. “Blessed are those who don't feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right.” (Romans 14:22) Ask yourself, “is my conscience condemning me?” If yes, then don’t do it.
Moreover, we must not put a stumbling block in our brother’s way. You can only cause someone to stumble if you put something in front of them to trip over it. We are to use our freedom, but not to hurt others. For the Kingdom of God is about “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
The reason why God wants us to accept one another is for freedom. Now accept one another and get ready for the marvelous impact this will have on our families and church.
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