Devotion #1: Selflessness
In Romans chapter 14, Paul writes of the strife and judgment going on between Jews and Gentiles. The reality of strife and judgment is that they are a natural part of the broken and sinful human nature into which we are all born. Therefore, with the cultural and theological differences that the Jews and Gentiles had during this time, Paul encourages them with these words in Romans 14:1-4, “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.”
We have all been created uniquely different. I am truly so thankful for this. I am not sure if I could spend time with someone who was exactly like me! Yet, no matter if someone is from the same city as us, has the same skin color, balding or long curly hair, a bodybuilder or hybrid athlete, book nerd or movie nerd, whatever differences we can have between those around us, Paul highlights the foundational common denominator: Jesus. There were many differences in daily practices, cultural upbringing, and theological understanding between Jewish and Gentile believers in Jesus Christ. What Paul is calling for is unity. He called for unity and reminded the people to set aside differences. He wanted them to not nitpick or focus on what is right or wrong in their personal eyes. The Lord will be the One to deal with judgment. Paul declares in verse 1, “Welcome him.”
As you continue through your week and as we continue to dig deeper into this incredible letter to the Romans, will you welcome? Will you set aside differences that we have and will always find in those we come in contact with in this life? Will you focus on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which brings reconciliation, redemption, hope, selflessness, and unity? I pray that we will all do a daily heart check to make sure we focus on the main point of the Gospel: Christ’s death and resurrection. Then, we can obediently and lovingly be Christ’s witnesses to a broken world. The awesome thing about this is that we do not have to take on this task alone. We are surrounded by our brothers and sisters across the world who have been called to the same mission and love from our Heavenly Father!