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Faith

Learning not to be judgmental

We tend to think of Christians who adhere to a strict disciplinary regime as strong Christians. These are the people who wear conservative clothes, avoid playing sport on Sundays, never smoke or drink, avoid going to the movies or dancing, and so on. It comes as a surprise, therefore, that Paul in chapter 14 of his letter to the Romans refers to the people who obey the most rules as people who are “weak in faith”.

According to Paul, we must accept people who are weak in faith, but we are not to argue over opinions. If people are convinced in their own minds that particular days should be observed in particular ways, that is fine if they give honour to God by doing so, If others are convinced that all days are alike, that is fine provided they give honour to God in the way that they do not observe particular days.

So, in the light of such a range of freedom, why is it that Christians are known for being narrow-minded and judgmental? As Paul says, “Why do you condemn your brother?… Let us not condemn each other any more, but instead resolve that no one will put a stumbling block or obstacle in another’s way.” All things are clean for followers of Christ, but it is wrong when we do something which offends or harms the faith of a fellow believer.