As I look at Romans 14:12-13 this morning, I'm reminded that “Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one other.” (NIV)
I'm accountable to Christ, not others. When I stand before God, I"ll give a personal account for my life, I won't be worried about what others have done. Paul wants me to be both strong in faith and sensitive to others' needs. I need to constantly monitor the effects of my behavior on others and follow Christ as closely as I can.
Many think they only have to show respect for people with whom they agree. In today’s world, there are many activities that I, as a believer, abhor and actions with which I clearly disagree.
But I still show people respect, even if I know their behavior is wrong. I do so because ultimately every individual will be accountable to God for their own attitudes, actions, and behaviors. One day God will settle the score. Each of us will have to give an account for our behavior.
I’m not God. The people with whom I disagree aren’t accountable to me. They’re accountable to God. It is not my job to be a police officer, running around trying to make everyone who isn’t a believer act like they are believers. In fact, the Bible says people can’t act the way God wants them to act until they have a relationship with him.
Today’s passage reminds me, “Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another” (Romans 14:12-13 NIV). It isn’t judgmental to tell the truth to people. If someone is doing something the Bible says is wrong, it’s not being judgmental to tell that person it’s wrong. That’s just telling people the truth. It is judgmental to take the truth and beat people over the head with it, feeling morally superior.
I can disagree with someone without being disagreeable. I can be right about an issue, but if I’m not speaking the truth to people in love, I’m not following what the Bible says. I need to choose to demonstrate the kind of respect Jesus wants me to show others, even when it’s difficult.
In summary, I will give my own account to God. So don’t pass judgment on others. Paul wants me to be both strong in faith and sensitive to others' needs. So I need to constantly monitor the effects of my behavior on others while I follow Christ as closely as I can. I need to show others respect, even if I know their behavior is wrong. I Do so because ultimately every individual will be accountable to God for their own attitudes, actions, and behaviors. One day God will settle the score and each of us will have to give an account. Furthermore, I’m not God. The people with whom I disagree aren’t accountable to me. It isn’t judgmental to tell the truth to people. That’s just telling people the truth. It is however judgmental to take the truth and beat people over the head with it, with a feeling of morally superiority. I can disagree with someone without being disagreeable. I can be right about an issue, but if I’m not speaking the truth to people in love, I’m not following what the Bible says. I need to choose to demonstrate the kind of respect Jesus wants me to show others, even when it’s difficult.
As I reflect on this, It is difficult to treat with respect those I disagree with, especially when they come off as morally justified. However, Jesus died for all who follow him. Father, I pray this morning that with the help of the Holy Spirit that I change my attitude to anyone I come across whom I may disagree with. I need to be kind and gentle, speaking the truth in love. It’s not my job to argue with them. With my response, I hope to open up pathways to you Jesus. I ask today for wisdom and guidance for my relationships, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. These things I pray in your Son Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
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