Whether we say it out loud or not, many of us have this idea that in order to be a successful follower of Christ, we must be on the ‘right’ team or in the ‘good’ group. This idea is not necessarily a bad one because it can lead to a positive change in our behaviors, bringing us to a closer communion and relationship with God. However, this change in behavior can take a negative turn when we judge others based on our personal convictions.
In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he talks about the Principles of Conscience in chapter 14. This passage of Scripture is an excellent guideline for making sure our behaviors are obedient to God’s direction while also recognizing and including your neighbor’s behaviors as obedient, even when they may be a little different. Paul begins the chapter with specific examples of differing opinions about what foods to eat and which day is considered more holy. These should not be divisive issues between believers, yet there are many (from Paul’s day and today) who judge others based on whether or not they are on the same side of these issues. Let’s look at a couple verses more closely to help us understand:
“But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God…So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God” (verses 10, 12, NASB).
Paul’s words remind us that we are not called to judge our neighbor; we are called to love our neighbor (Matthew 22:36-40; Galatians 5:13-14). God knows the heart and life of every person on earth and He has the final say for each of us when it is our time to stand before Him. This isn’t meant to scare you or shock you. In fact, it should give you a sense of freedom. Freedom to live in and through the love God has for you and all His children.
This freedom to love others is found in Christ and is evidence in our service to Him. As our behaviors begin to align with service to Christ, we will see that is most often manifested through serving our neighbors around us. Paul continues in verses 17-19: “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another” (emphasis added).
When we look at our neighbors through the lens of judgment, it will not take long to find something to disagree about or some reason to condemn them. But, when we look at our neighbors through the lens of the Holy Spirit (righteousness, peace, joy), we will soon find common ground, love, and ways to encourage and serve our neighbors.
We teach our children the “Golden Rule”: Treat others the way you want to be treated. We would do well to teach and learn together the “Godly Rule”: See others through the lens in which you want to be seen. Do you want your neighbors, family, and friends to use a lens of condemnation and judgment or one of love, peace, and joy?
As you go about your week, I ask you to think on these things: peace, joy, love. Make a conscience choice to see your neighbors through the lens of the Holy Spirit so that you might see them as God sees them. May you see their faith and obedience to God as meaningful and important. May you provide encouragement for them if they are struggling or hurting. May you make peace if you have been fighting over something of lesser importance. Make a conscience choice to serve your neighbors in some way, regardless of whether you agree (or disagree!) about everything.