Romans 14:19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Thoughts for Today: From our previous passages, we know there are both negative and positive instructions imbedded within todays verse. To review: the negative is for us to avoid those things which may offend a brother or sister in Christ; and the positive is to press on toward the spiritual values of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Both lead to what Paul describes as peace and mutual edification. We have also discussed peace as one of the fruits of the Spirit; however, Paul uses it in the context of our passage today to describe one of our objectives in dealing with Christian brothers and sisters. Then he introduces an additional benefit once peace reigns in a relationship -- mutual edification. In consideration of this idea, one might ask, I understand that my observance of someone elses intolerances might be somewhat edifying for me, but how is it mutual for the other person? How can they learn if Im following their preferences? Isnt that why we resist giving in? We dont want to give up our freedom. We spend our time fighting for the rightness of our position and then wonder why a relationship is broken. Paul tells us to do just the opposite -- make every effort to do what leads to peace. The result of this approach is mutual edification. How so? Because when we no longer take a confrontational position, others have a tendency to become a lot more open minded to our point of view. Questions to Ponder: Are you having a little trouble getting your point across? Do others reject your perspective on debatable issues? Paul tells us to make every effort at peace. With peace and a non-confrontational environment, mutual edification has a chance to work. However, if you have applied the right spiritual values (as Paul has described), dont be surprised if it is your own point of view that is changed.
Posted on: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 13:41:12 +0000
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