ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

Questionable Matters

Romans 14:1

Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.

 

It is very important to not disconnect a verse from the preceding concept. At the end of Chapter 13, Paul had been discussing how we are to treat our neighbors. We'll apply this concept to our passage today -- our acceptance of a brother or sister whose faith is weak is to be governed by, and founded in, love.
Paul's phrase, "whose faith is weak," does not indicate a lack of understanding regarding Biblical truths (the facts of faith). Rather, it reflects a person who might be confused or unsure about how to deal with a certain issue. We are to receive all brothers and sisters into our fellowship with open arms. We may not agree with a person's perspective, but we are to accept all as fellow believers in Jesus Christ. Not to begin a debate or sit in judgment of his or her conduct -- simply to embrace with love.
Questionable matters of personal conduct, if not expressly prohibited in Scripture, are placed within the domain of each believer. We are then to use wisdom and maturity (with observation of the urging by God's Holy Spirit), to evaluate the myriad of choices before us. Some people find a specific behavior, not identified in the Bible, to be in their best interest to avoid. But, that is not the case for everyone. So who is the "weaker" brother? Is it you? Is it me? Read on, the answer might shock you!

 

Many Christians have a tendency to want to conform others to their way of thinking. Does that sound like you? Have you taken a questionable matter and made it an express prohibition -- not only for yourself but everyone around you? Ask God for His help, and then be open minded to His direction.

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