Romans 14:13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.
Jesus teaches us throughout Scripture about the dangers of
judging other people. When we judge another person, we hold them up to a
standard we do not want to be held to ourselves. This command from Jesus does
not eliminate the need for admonishment (Romans 15:14), or rebuke (2 Timothy
4:2). The proper method of admonishment or rebuke that Jesus has given us is
through a clear scriptural principle and not through any doubtful human means.
We may and should offer Biblical advice to those in our circle of Christian
Brothers and Sisters. However, we should steer clear of any judgmental speech
or action. Improper judgment towards any person could cause our brothers and
sisters, as well as ourselves, to stumble. This inappropriate judgment is
carried out most of the time in one of two ways. First, we can beat them down
through legalism or an enticement to sin because of an unwise use of our
liberty.
1 Corinthians 8:9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not
become a stumbling block to the weak.
Two principles deal with
doubtful things (norms not addressed in Scripture): (1) liberty and (2) love.
There are times when liberty supplants love and other times when love displaces
liberty. Spirituality is a communion with God through the direction of the Holy
Spirit in our lives. When unscriptural prohibitions or restrictions are wielded
by legalistic Christians, mature believers in Christ should not relinquish
their liberty for a false doctrine. However, if the believer in question has a
weak ethic and it is not an issue of legalism, then love should limit liberty.
The mature Christian with a firm grasp on their liberty must hold something
else up in esteem: the enlightenment of our weaker Brother and Sister.
The genuine mature
believer in Christ Jesus will always focus their Christian walk on improving a
weaker Christian, which is much more critical than flaunting our liberty. This
Concept, by no means, places any compromise towards our Christian liberty, but
it is beneficial and appropriate for helping to build up other believers in our
circles. The bottom line and the most critical dilemma is the question: Am I
willing to waive my rights to build up the weaker brothers and sisters in our
Christian circles? However, we should never settle on a weak conscience to
replace a Christian enlightenment belief or view formed on the principles of
the Holy Word of God.
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