FAITH: Comes by Hearing the Word of God
Romans 14:1–3: Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him.
FAITH: Comes by Studying the Word of God
It is not our responsibility to decide the requirements for Christian fellowship in a church; only the Lord can do this. To set up man-made restrictions on the basis of personal prejudices (or even convictions) is to go beyond the Word of God. Because God has received us, we must receive one another. God showed both Peter and Paul that Christian fellowship was not to be based on food or religious calendars.
In every church there are weak and strong believers. The strong understand spiritual truth and practice it, but the weak have not yet grown into that level of maturity and liberty. The weak must not condemn the strong and call them unspiritual. The strong must not despise the weak and call them immature. God has received both the weak and the strong; therefore, they should receive one another. 1
FAITH: Comes by Obeying the Word of God
Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. Acts 10:34
When we open our mouth we become accountable for ever word spoken and for every seed of discord planted into the heart of another. Beware. Words matter!
FAITH: Comes by Experiencing the Transforming Work of God
Why be a critic…when you can be an encourager.
FAITH: Comes by Praying with the Word of God
“Judge not, that you be not judged. Matthew 7:1
Dear Father, may I have a gentle spirit, and not a harsh, critical spirit. Forgive me Lord.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, pp. 558–559). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
