Do you like to argue? Do you like picking on other people? Do you enjoy debating, even if you agree with someone? Do you look for faults in others? Do you like to point out where you are better than someone else? How do you think God looks at those things?
Many of us like to argue. We will argue over the least little thing. We are especially adamant in our argument when we know, or think, we are right. We like to pick on others sometimes, or a lot. We like to point out areas in which we are better than others. It makes us feel good.
On the other hand, we don’t care much for someone picking on us. We don’t like admitting we have weaknesses. We especially don’t like it when someone else laughs at us because they are better at something than we are. We feel embarrassed, degraded, and belittled. So why do we do that to others?
Paul tells the church in Rome to welcome those who lack the faith we do. But he gives a word of caution. We are not to do just so we can belittle them or argue with them. We are to welcome them and help them grow in their faith. He goes on to discuss how we may have different opinions, likes and dislikes, or different viewpoints. Those are not a reason for arguing or getting angry with one another. Rather, they are reasons to learn from one another.
I liken it to encouraging us to be big brothers or big sisters. See the person who may lack a little faith or understanding and coach them along to a deeper faith. Teach rather than scold. Exchange viewpoints calmly rather than argue. Understand the reasons for someone’s beliefs and calmly explain yours. We can learn a lot from one another if we will simply stay calm.
I pray we all seek to learn from others. I pray we seek to help others by teaching them. I pray each one of us will calmly listen to other and calmly explain our own understanding. Welcome all. Listen intentionally. Calmly exchange viewpoints. Teach those who lack understanding.
Romans 14:1 Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions.
Marty Pressey 