The theme of loving one another continues in Romans 14 and it concerns the idea of being judgmental toward one another. It is so easy for us to look at someone else and judge their actions in one way or another and give personal opinion as to whether those actions are right or wrong. Yet, we so often fail to rightly judge ourselves in those same matters. Paul is very clear--we will all give account to God for ourselves!
Verses 17-19 are the pinnacle of this chapter: "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. Therefore, MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO DO WHAT LEADS TO PEACE AND MUTUAL EDIFICATION."
Let us each examine our own hearts today and ask ourselves: "Am I being judgmental toward someone in such a way that it affects my love for them? Am I just being trivial in my judgment? Do I have all the "facts" or am I just "assuming" I know it all to make a right judgment?
Prayer: "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, My Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)
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