“Accept one another, then, just as
Christ accepted you,
in order to bring praise to God.”
Romans 15:7
Paul was writing these words to believers.
He was speaking, in part, of the strong bearing with
the failings of the weak.
It is so much easier to run with the crowd that is
most like us.
But the family of God is not to be like that.
We are to recognize that Christ in us compels us to
love those who may not be where we are just as those further along on their
journey with Christ are lovingly patient, helpful and kind.
We have probably all seen marriage covenants broken
with the glib statement that goes something like this: “They just couldn’t keep
up with me spiritually!”
How arrogant and proud that is.
When someone receives Jesus into their heart we are to
accept, love and nurture them in the faith.
Yes, we run the race so as to win that eternal crown
but the course set before us does not require us to win by belittling,
rejecting or stepping on fellow believers.
That is the way of the world and not of the Kingdom.
Today I would challenge you to look out for those
weaker ones.
Love them, encourage them and strengthen them just as
Christ loves, encourages and strengthens you.
What a wonderful testimony and way – as Paul says – to
bring praise to God!
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