Do you like to share you opinion? Do you share it, even when people are not asking for it? Do you like hearing someone else’s opinion? Have you found that sharing opinions cause an argument? Do you like to win those arguments? Have you considered not getting involved in them?
Opinions are not truth. That may hurt to hear, but it is the truth. Truth is fact. Opinions are a viewpoint of a specific topic from a person. Everyone has an opinion, even if it is one they acquired from someone else. Unfortunately, opinions can start arguments.
What has this got to do with our faith? The Apostle Paul tells us to welcome those who have a weak faith. These are often people who have just come to faith. They may have a variety of ideas regarding who God is, who Jesus is, and may have never heard of the Holy Spirit. Paul warns us not to quarrel with them over opinions. Do not get upset. Do not think you must win the argument. Stick to truth and forget about the opinions.
We must remember, we were once weak in our faith. How did we grow stronger in our faith? Likely, someone who was stronger was patient, kind, compassionate, and willing to teach us as we were capable of learning new truth. We are to do the same. It will require us to be patient. We will need to be kind in our teaching. It may mean that we must allow the person to hold onto their opinion for the time being and trust it will be corrected at a later date. It may simply mean we plant seeds that someone else will water.
I pray we all remember when we were weak in our faith. I pray we set aside opinions and stick to truth. I pray each one of us are patient, kind, and willing to teach someone who is weak in their faith. Remember your beginnings in faith. Set aside opinions. Be patient. Be kind. Be willing to teach.
Romans 14:1 Welcome those who are weak in faith but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions.
Marty Pressey 