It bothers God too. He says, "Do not argue about opinions" (Rom 14:1). It's one thing to have an opinion; it's something else entirely to have a fight. When you sense the volume increasing and the heat rising, close you mouth. It's better to be quiet and keep a brother than be loud and lose one. Besides, "They are God's servants, not yours. They are responsible to him, not to you. Let him tell them whether they are right or wrong. And God is able to make them do as they should" (Rom 14:4).
"Stop judging each other" (Rom 14:13). We judge others when we stop addressing the controversy and start attacking the character. Example? "Of course she wants women to preach; she's power hungry." Or, "I'm not surprised he likes loud worship; he's one of those rowdy sorts anyway." One more: "You'd expect such an opinion out of a person who never studies the Bible."
These are judgmental phrases. These are off-limits phrases. If we disagree, let's disagree agreeably. Unity demands that we discuss the issue, not the person. And "let us try to do what makes peace and helps one another" (Rom 14:19).
"Above all things have fervent love among yourselves; for love shall cover the multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8). If love covers a multitude of sins, can it not cover a multitude of opinions?
By: Max Lucado
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.