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- Oct 26, 2007
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We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. Romans 15:1-2 NLT
Different convictions and practices could have divided the Roman church and driven some of its members to violate their consciences by eating food that they considered wrong to eat. With Jewish dietary laws and convictions over meat sacrificed to idols dividing churches, Paul urged this congregation to put the well-being of one another ahead of any dispute. Rather than trying to win an argument, those with a clear conscience should try to help those who still struggled over what they ate.
You could say that this care for those with a sensitive conscience saves you and your community from the weak becoming weaker while the strong become stronger. It gives you a chance to seek the welfare of others, hoping for the best when someone has a clear conscience…or keeping your thoughts to yourself when someone can’t enjoy the same freedoms as you. Rather than winning an argument, you have an opportunity to build up a fellow believer so that he won’t live under guilt and condemnation. Having a clear conscience is good, but having a stronger community is even better.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, show me how I can help those with a sensitive conscience live with integrity in their convictions.
Different convictions and practices could have divided the Roman church and driven some of its members to violate their consciences by eating food that they considered wrong to eat. With Jewish dietary laws and convictions over meat sacrificed to idols dividing churches, Paul urged this congregation to put the well-being of one another ahead of any dispute. Rather than trying to win an argument, those with a clear conscience should try to help those who still struggled over what they ate.
You could say that this care for those with a sensitive conscience saves you and your community from the weak becoming weaker while the strong become stronger. It gives you a chance to seek the welfare of others, hoping for the best when someone has a clear conscience…or keeping your thoughts to yourself when someone can’t enjoy the same freedoms as you. Rather than winning an argument, you have an opportunity to build up a fellow believer so that he won’t live under guilt and condemnation. Having a clear conscience is good, but having a stronger community is even better.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, show me how I can help those with a sensitive conscience live with integrity in their convictions.
