Peace and Mutual Up-building. We humans spend a huge amount of time and energy just trying to get along with each other. This week I learned of Robert S. Schwartz trying to convince a Florida jury that he really loved his girlfriend. After admitting hair pulling, eye gouging, and head-slamming, he turned to her in the courtroom and said: “I’m willing to overlook a lot of things if you can just get along with me.” [St. Petersburg Times, 2-28- 04] In Romans 14 Paul gives us clear advice on getting along with each other. Since preaching on this topic on Sunday, I have tried hard to implement this teaching in my life. First, Paul says we should not judge each other (Romans 14:1-13). In other words, I will not try to change, manipulate, emotionally blackmail -- or anyway influence the person or situation to conform to my desires. :13 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. Secondly, he asks us not to grieve each other OR the situation causing our discontent. That means wanting only the best for, possibly, our worst enemy. That means not thinking about wanting harm or destruction to happen. :15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. And finally, Paul tells us what we should be doing instead: :19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual up-building. Friend, are you willing to expend all your energy towards pursuing peace and mutual up-building. In every conversation you have and every thought you think. I challenge you to do just that -- strive for peace and mutual up-building.
Posted on: Fri, 23 Aug 2013 17:18:24 +0000
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