Accept

“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions. For one man has faith to eat all things, while another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats must not belittle the one who does not, and the one who does not eat must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.”
– Romans 14:1-4


In the early church, believers wrestled over differences in diet, sacred days, and other matters of practice. Paul’s answer wasn’t to declare who was right—it was to call the church to mutual acceptance. His message is simple but challenging: Stop judging one another, because each of us stands before God—not each other.

This message still applies today. We may not be arguing about food sacrificed to idols or holy days, but we do wrestle with theological differences, political views, and cultural perspectives. And yet, Paul reminds us: each believer is God’s servant, not ours. If God has accepted someone, who are we to reject or belittle them?

What would happen if we let go of the urge to correct or criticize, and instead made room for God’s work in another’s life? That doesn’t mean we never speak truth, but it means we do so from a place of humility, not superiority. It means recognizing that we all see in part, and that God is graciously, patiently working in each of us.


Questions

1. Have you ever judged another believer over a non-essential matter of faith or practice?

2. What helps you remember that fellow Christians answer to God, not to you?

3. How can you offer acceptance today instead of criticism?


Suggested Activity

Think of a believer you’ve silently judged or dismissed because of a difference in belief or practice. Instead of focusing on that difference, take time today to pray for them—to bless them and ask God to strengthen them in their walk. Trust that God is able to make them stand.


Prayer

Lord God, 

You are the One each of us serves. Forgive me when I take Your place as judge. Help me to trust that You are at work in every believer, even when we differ. Teach me to accept others as You have accepted me, and to love them without conditions. May I grow in grace and extend that same grace to others who follow You in ways I do not fully understand.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

-

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