◄ What Does Romans 14:1 Mean? ►

Paul's closing remarks in his epistle, start to challenge the more spiritually mature believer who may rejoice in the gracious liberty he has in Christ Jesus while harbouring his own ungodly attitudes towards the personal practice of those that are weaker in the faith, exposing an unchristian bias against those that are spiritually immature or weaker in certain doctrinal issues.

Although we should not compromise the glorious gospel of salvation: "That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried and rose again, according to the Scriptures," there are certain minor issues that can cause disunity and disagreement between believers. Sadly, there are certain secondary matters which can fracture relationships in the Body of Christ, and this should not be.

There are those that love the Lord Jesus with all their heart, but due to traditional influences, denominational leanings, legalistic instruction, exclusive practices, or the lies of the enemy, have been blinded to the gracious liberty they have in the glorious gospel of grace.

Contrary to finding fault with those that are weak in the faith or deliberately entering into arguments with those that are disadvantaged in their spiritual maturity, such brothers and sisters should be welcomed into our fellowship and be received with Christian love and grace.

We are called to accept those who are weak in faith or whose spiritual maturity is somewhat lacking. We are encouraged to be kind towards one another and tenderhearted, not to seeking to criticise their developed biases or pass judgement on certain opinions or practices they may hold dear which can too often lead to disunity and a rupturing of Christ's Body.

Let us receive our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ in godly grace, in truth and in love. Let us flee from the influences of tradition, denomination, legalism, and exclusivity, and grow in grace and in a knowledge of Jesus Christ, knowing that we are all members of the same Body whose Head is Christ Jesus our Lord.

Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times when I have not acted in godly love toward my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who may be weaker in the faith than I, and who may hold to some practices and biases from which I have been set free. Keep me from developing a critical spirit toward other members of Your Body, and help me not to do anything from selfish ambition or conceit. In humility of heart, may I count others more significant than myself. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.