October 20: Romans 9-16

"Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your m ind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." ~ Romans 14: 13

This chapter often refers to the "food rules" that many people were imposing on themselves. Paul is trying to explain to people that these food rules are not from God (he now declares that no food is unclean) but are self-imposed restrictions by man.

I would have expected Paul to preach passionately about making everyone "see the light" and telling us to correct everyone's behavior- to tell them that these rules are no longer necessary or that the FOOD itself was not sinful. Instead, Paul calls on the "strong"-those who realize that certain foods by themselves were not sinful and could now eat the foods in good conscience- to help the "weak"-those who were still bound to the laws and could not eat formerly "unclean" things in good conscience. The strong should help them not by telling them why their rules are not necessary, but to help them follow their rules.

Seems odd, but I'm starting to see the merit. If someone is convicted to avoid something (whether it be alcohol, tobacco, R-rated movies, or associations with certain groups), we should help them to live by their convictions, not try to convince them why these things are okay. We should not mock them or indulge boastfully in front of them, causing them to fall.

I can think of many examples from modern times. Some girls in my school growing up came from families in which the women wore skirts all the time and never cut their hair. Instead of testing their commitment or questioning them all the time about why they thought this was necessary, we could have supported them and stood up for them when they had to make difficult choices.

There are some people who have chosen to avoid all alcohol. Instead of preaching "even Jesus drank wine," we could be sensitive to their decision and not drink in front of them.

Instead of arguing with those who have strict rules about what is off-limits for their family on the Sabbath, we could make sure we do not ask them to help us move or paint or attend a sports practice, or do something else that will violate their beliefs.

My take-home lesson is to remember that this "public-school-proud" lady needs to respect other people's decisions to send their children to private school or home school.

The strong should help to build up the weak and not become a stumbling block.