[A call for tolerance, mutual respect and edification]
"Accept among you the man/woman who is weak in faith, but not to argue with him about his personal opinions. (v.1) You then, why do you pass judgement on your brother? All of us will stand before God to be judged by Him.
(v.10) "So then, let us stop judging one another. Instead, this is what you should decide –not to do anything that will cause your brother to stumble, or fall into sin. (v.13). (Romans 14:1,10,13)
Judging: Simple and Easy
Criticism and judgement is quite simple and easy. You look at someone or something, and quickly an analysing session kicks off in you. Shortly, the data of how he looked, how it was badly done or possible ways it could be better done, all these commences. All these stir in you, and shortly you pass your judgement. Observe, it's quite easy. It's simple to pass judgement.
What is Judgement?
Judgement is ' an opinion you form about something after thinking carefully; the act of making opinion known. Also, it is a verdict passed on someone'. (OALD,8)
In Bible days, this was the order of the day. Under the law, a prevalent attitude of people was finding faults and sifting for offenses. This was based on the commandments they received through the prophets.
Now the times have changed, we're no longer 'permitted' (under Grace) to be judgemental towards others. We're rather commanded to love.
We're All Saved by Grace
The Apostle Paul must have observed a lot of doctrinal discrimination among the brethren in Rome, so he wrote them this letter. Incidentally, this letter is timely to us in these days as well. The first line of the letter (above) encourages us (every believer in Christ) to accept others who are 'weak' in faith.
It adds that we should not argue with them about their personal opinion: on doctrinal, religious perception and practices. (see verse 10,13) This instruction is quite unusual. But firstly, who are the 'weak' in faith?
Who Are the Weak in Faith?
The Expositor's Bible Commentary makes it clear that the term here 'weak' is relatively used. 'Weak' is based in individual's perspective/standing and understanding. Not necessarily that the one described as 'weak' is not standing in Christ, but that his convictions are somewhat tilted towards a Christian doctrine disproportionate to others.
In the context of use, the 'weak' here refers to 'some recent convert, perhaps from Judaism, itself, perhaps an ex-pagan, but influenced by the Jewish ideas so prevalent at that time in many Roman circles'. (EBC, Romans 14)
'Jewish Ideas So Prevalent at the Time'
In the whole of chapter 14 of the Book of Romans, the Apostle clearly discuss or condemns two aspect of religious practices or ordinance at that time: keeping the Sabbath and meal. The Sabbath day was to be kept holy, and every Jew was to mind what he/she ate, drank in order to avoid defilement. These doctrinal observations were prevalent at the time: Sabbath and meal.
The Sabbath Day; What You Eat
In this (4-series) article, we shall expound on the content of the Apostle's recommendation to the church regarding this, as they turned unto the Lord. In a nutshell, these recommendations by Paul were to keep the church and society united under Christ, the umbrella of their salvation.
In today's society, this letter is very relevant too, to curb the excesses of Believers judging others based on doctrinal differences.
A whole lot is packaged for the next three editions. Keep in touch. Meanwhile, note that you are supposed to love, respect and tolerant others' personal opinions. God condemns our habit of playing His role as Judge. See you in the next editions.
God bless you.
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