Judging Others 11.23.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are completing our studies on the book of Romans, please read Chapters 14-16 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2014-16&version=9

Today we will read about the law of love concerning doubtful things; a reminder of salvation for both Jew and Gentile; Paul's desire to visit Rome; and a his personal greeting. Today's message focuses on the importance of not judging another by their weaknesses or strengths.

Even today, Jesus Christ is making an intercession on our behalf of our weaknesses and temptations. Not one person in history, except Jesus, has lived without sin and since we do not know the heart of anyone we are warned not to judge them by ones strengths or weaknesses. "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand." (Romans 14:1-4). The stronger brother needs to willingly put aside his personal desires and consider how to strengthen the weaker brother, without passing judgement.

To judge someone means to form an opinion of someone by what they see on the surface, often condemning them. We have no idea what a person does behind closed doors, but God knows and He is the only one that we will all stand before in judgement. "But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way." (14:10-13).

The greatest example of how we are to live our lives is Jesus Christ, who unselfishly took all our sins upon Himself, suffering insult, persecution, and a cruel physical death on the cross for our sake. His personal sacrifice demonstrated the Christian way to deal with people for their good and God's glory.

When we allow Christ to be Lord of our lives it results in a sincere, compassionate concern for others, not only for the weaker brother or sister in Christ, but for those who do not know Him as well. Spiritual discernment leads us to be understanding of others and their situations. The caution to bear others infirmities requires compassion and an active involvement on teh part of mature Christians. While it is true that God judges sin and makes it clear that we must repent, suffer, and learn from them He is also loving and merciful to all who call on Him for forgiveness.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We thank You for Your marvelous grace that was poured out in the sacrificial death of Your Son and is made available to all for salvation from sin. You want all men and women, boys and girls to be saved and come to knowledge of the truth. We’re grateful for those You raise up to be arms of compassion and instruments of blessing to others in the body of Christ and to those still clinging to the world. Whether we were protected from the ravages of sin or we are experiencing Your restoring grace we thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has given us strength; that He considered us faithful, appointing us to be His servants for the furtherance of the Gospel. In Jesus' name.......Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day and week.
God Bless You,
Christina

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