Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. (Romans 14:13)
Perhaps it was a cucumber. I suppose it could have been a carrot, a turnip, or a bunch of kale. Scripture doesn’t tell us what it was exactly, but Romans 14 does reveal that the people of God were looking down their noses at each other. What was the source of scorn, exactly? Vegetables. Yep, vegetables.
“One person believes he may eat anything,” the apostle Paul wrote, “while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats” (vv. 2–3).
There are passages in Scripture that warn us against judging another person’s sins unless we want the same measuring stick applied to our sin (Matt. 7:1–5). This is a different kind of warning. Paul is warning us not to judge other Christian’s preferences.
- Perhaps you homeschool and another mom in your church sends her children to public school. That’s a preference.
- Maybe your family watches PG-13 movies and your sister’s family doesn’t own a television. Preference.
- You love one Bible translation and your Bible study leader likes another.
- Your kids never miss church for sports; your friend’s kids see sports as their mission field.
- You love upbeat worship music; your husband likes the old hymns.
- Preference. Preference. Preference.
When we feel judgment toward another believer, when we dislike their choices or convince ourselves they are somehow less spiritual than us because of them, isn’t a preference usually to blame? How many churches and friendships have split over preference disguised as principle?
In contrast, God’s Word urges us to extend grace, not judgment, toward one another.
“Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother” (Rom. 14:13).
Grace is a decision. A choice you can make when a Christian brother or sister has a preference that is different from yours. Paul reminds us why: “for God has welcomed him” (v. 3).
Since the “one anothers” in your world are welcomed by Christ, you are free to welcome them, too. Welcome them into your heart. Welcome them into your church. Welcome them into your home, free of judgment.
Who knows? They might even bring you some vegetables.
Consider:
How does the gospel impact the everyday ways we respond to other Christians? Since we are accepted by Christ through His grace, not our perfection, how does this color the way we view the choices of others who are in Him?
Pray:
Ask God to reveal any evidence of a critical spirit toward other believers. Repent for any exposed judgment toward your Christian brothers and sisters.
Trust:
If something needs adjusted in the life of a fellow believer, or in your own, you can trust God to do it through the power of the Holy Spirit.
“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” (John 16:7–8)
Do:
Choose to celebrate your Christian brothers and sisters who chose differently than you. Shoot a text to a Christian friend who has a different preference than you and tell her how much you admire her.
Excerpted from Living Out the One Anothers of Scripture. Available exclusively at ReviveOurHearts.com.
