Standing Back-to-Back

Read Romans 12:1–16:27

1. Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.
2. For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables.
3. Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them.
4. Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? They are responsible to the Lord, so let him judge whether they are right or wrong. And with the Lord’s help, they will do what is right and will receive his approval.
5. In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Romans 14:1-5

God’s Word turns everything topsy-turvy. The first will be last, the last first. The poor will be blessed, the weary given rest. God’s academy of life makes foolish people wise and worldly-wise people foolish. What we call common sense, God sometimes calls nonsense.

In this last reading of Romans, Paul’s advice on how to treat “believers who are weak in faith” is another one of those lessons. Here Paul tells strong believers to refrain from arguing with weaker believers over issues of right and wrong. As you read, look at your life from God’s perspective—upside down.

God wants us to welcome “believers who are weak in faith” (Romans 14:1). Exactly what kind of weaknesses do these Christians have? And what does it mean to be a “strong” Christian?

Every believer is weak in some areas and strong in others. Wherever our faith is strong, we can survive contact with sinners without falling into sin ourselves. But wherever it is weak, we must avoid contact with those activities, people, or places so we can avoid falling into sin. Thus there are differences among believers and what they regard as right and wrong.

Aside from being gracious to other believers who have different convictions, we need to be aware of our own strengths and weaknesses. Whenever we don’t know whether an activity is appropriate for us we should ask, “Can I do that without sinning? Can I influence others for good, rather than being influenced by them?” Let the answers to those questions be your guide.

Take the time to ask those questions of yourself today. Then, in areas of strength, do not fear being defiled by the world. In areas of weakness, be cautious. And in the company of other Christians, be protective of the weaknesses that threaten them.