Accept One Another 4

Romans 16:17-19

Almost every child has had to deal with a bully at school or in the neighborhood. Or perhaps we have had to deal with others whom we find unpleasant. The simplest solution, of course, is to just avoid the people with whom you have problems.

This simple approach is also supported by Paul in his letter to Rome. What warning does he offer? How does he suggest dealing with these people? What motivates these people? What does Paul desire?

As we examine the call for each of us to accept one another, we must also look at those individuals who are part of our faith family who refuse to accept one another. It is very common in almost every church family or faith group to have a few individuals who just do not comprehend the teachings of Christ. These persons are unable for some reason or another to accept what the Bible teaches.

Instead, they are caught up in their own desires and their own motivations. Who among us has not encountered at least one member of our faith family who served their own appetites rather than the Lord?

In Romans 14:13 Paul refers to our judgmental attitudes as causing stumbling blocks and obstacles for others in the faith. Here he also uses the term “obstacles” when talking about those who cause division and unrest.

Those people who will serve themselves rather than God, who will cause division in a family of faith, who will throw out obstacles and stumbling blocks for others are the kind of people who will not be accepting of other people and other ideas.

The solution is to avoid these individuals. Do not allow yourself to be caught up in their deceits or their false and erroneous ways of thinking.

As true followers of Christ we are to be accepting of one another, welcoming other ideas and embracing people different from ourselves. We are not to be part of a group who will deceive the minds of others or cause division in the family of faith.

As Paul encourages, we should be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you be wise about what is good?