Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do. And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.
If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle that without your help. Each person is free to follow the convictions of conscience. It's God we are answerable to—all the way from life to death and everything in between—not each other. Eventually, we're all going to end up kneeling side by side in the place of judgment, facing God. Your critical and condescending ways aren't going to improve your position there one bit. You've got your hands full just taking care of your own life before God.
Here's what you need to be concerned about: that you don't get in the way of someone else, making life more difficult than it already is. If you confuse others by making a big issue over what they eat or don't eat, you're no longer a companion with them in love, are you?
Your task is to single-mindedly serve Christ. Do that and you'll kill two birds with one stone: pleasing the God above you and proving your worth to the people around you.
Help others with encouraging words; don't drag them down by finding fault. You're fortunate if your behavior and your belief are coherent. But if you're not sure, if you notice that you are acting in ways inconsistent with what you believe—some days trying to impose your opinions on others, other days just trying to please them—then you know that you're out of line. If the way you live isn't consistent with what you believe, then it's wrong.
Love, Paul
Romans 14
Shana,
Thank you for reminding me of the truth.
I love you.
Dale
