PROCLAMATION
“So then, each of us will give an account of
ourselves to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one
another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or
obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.” Romans 14:12-13 (NIV)
EXPLANATION
These words were written by the Apostle Paul
under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the believers in Rome.
Paul began this chapter by stating that those believers who are strong in the
faith should not do anything that would distress those who are weak in the
faith. (Romans 14:1-9) Then he said that we must all give an account of
ourselves to God. Don’t judge someone just because they do things
differently. Don’t put anything in front of our brother which would cause
him to stumble. It is better for us to not to eat meat, or drink wine, or
do anything else that would cause our brother or sister to stumble and fall
into sin. (Romans 14:21)
APPLICATION
We should conduct ourselves in such a manner
that we avoid any behavior or action, even if we know it to be right, if that
behavior would cause our brother to stress out because he thinks that it is
wrong. We live our lives not just for ourselves alone. What we do
affects those around us. Not only should we avoid sin and things which
appear to be sinful, we should also avoid things that our brother thinks is
wrong, at least while we are in his presence. We who are strong in the
faith do not want to do anything that would cause those who are weak in the
faith to stumble, or to wound their feelings, or to bother their
conscience. Just because we can do something does not mean that we should
do it. Be mindful of the feeling of
others and the affect that we have on them.
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