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It’s God we are answerable to—all the way from life to death and everything in between—not each other. That’s why Jesus lived and died and then lived again: so that he could be our Master across the entire range of life and death, and free us from the petty tyrannies of each other. Romans 14:8,9 (MSG)

In exploring how to Disagree Deeply, Love Deeper Still we’ve talked about the power of fiery tongues, how the early church managed conflict, and what it looks like to confront another in love. Our scriptures this week give instructions on how believers should live and walk beside each other daily. We each have our own relationships with God that come with personal convictions, but what happens when we start using our convictions as tools of judgement against those around us?

I love the way The Message version expresses all of Romans 14, and especially these verses. We answer to God, not each other! Jesus died so that HE could be our Master and free us from the petty tyrannies of each other. Are you holding anyone hostage by way of a petty tyranny?

Pop quiz time! True or false:

It’s cool to have a beer with supper. 

It’s acceptable to eat meat. 

It’s okay to take care of your yard and home on a Sunday. 

No sweating your grades on this one, friends, because either answer is correct! Whether or not you answered true or false to any of the above--or any other convicting topic you can think of--is between you and God. You may feel strongly about avoiding any work on Sunday as a means of rest, and that’s okay! Avoiding alcohol or following a vegetarian diet might also be personal convictions, which by definition means “a firmly held belief or opinion.” We’ve all got them. 

Division becomes an issue when we start imposing our own convictions on those around us. Each Christian has a personal relationship with Christ, and it’s not up to any of us to judge another by a set of rules we’ve got set up for ourselves. Verse 19 says, “So let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don’t drag them down by finding fault.” 

So don’t be peeping the neighbors cutting their grass on a Sunday morning and heaping judgement upon their heads. You do you!

How have you let your personal convictions be roadblocks in your relationships with other Christians? Take a few moments to ask God to show you any division present.

Now take a minute to pray for a specific person in your life with whom you need to be less judgmental and more generous.

Lastly, let’s pray for our Chatham Community Church congregation. Pray that each one of us will see opportunities to use encouraging words with those we come into contact today.