Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: “ ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ ” So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

Romans 14:6-12

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Not a Wall, but a Bridge

By Jennifer Kane

One holds a day sacred,

another holds none;

one feasts in joy,

another fasts—

each heart lifted, offering thanks.

For all are His,

the Lord who lives and died;

who are we to scorn,

to bind with words

those Christ Himself receives?

Let freedom not cloud our sight,

nor liberty disguise our love.

We live for Him who conquered sin,

who binds our spirits, holds us close,

a center true, a faith that knew us first.

Let pride not build a wall,

nor judgment taint the peace He gives.

In grace, He calls each heart—

frail and strong, bold and meek.

We’ve turned from sin,

pledged in waters deep,

repented, trusted,

in Christ alone, we stand.

But our hands reach out in different ways,

voices lifted high, others soft;

our praise, each path unique,

still bound in Him who saves.

Let food not divide,

nor feasting or fasting draw lines.

In love, we come to understand

that what seems small, our hearts discern.

All we do, we do for Him,

each breath an offering, each step of faith.

God alone, our Friend and King,

holds all, from life to death.

May mercy take root in us all—

judgment His alone.

May kindness grow in grace.

Let love, let peace remain,

for what we share, no man can sever:

the cross, the blood,

our bond, forever.

~~~~~

Scriptures: Romans 14:6-12

Paul’s wisdom in Romans 14 challenges us to look beyond our differences and see our shared purpose: to honor God in all we do. He encourages believers to consider one another’s faith journeys with a gracious heart, knowing that each person’s path is unique yet deeply known by God. It’s a reminder that our faith isn’t about outward conformity but a personal, sincere relationship with Christ. Each believer’s way of honoring God—whether through specific practices or abstentions—has value in His eyes when done with a heart of gratitude.

This passage invites us to examine our own lives. Are we building each other up in love, or are we allowing differences to divide us? The heart of the message is not about uniformity but about unity—embracing one another’s differences as part of a diverse and vibrant body of Christ. We are reminded that each of us will one day stand before God, giving account for our own lives. This frees us from judging others, allowing us to focus on our own walk with God.

In our faith community, there may be believers who hold different views on various aspects of life and worship. Yet, in God’s eyes, what matters most is that we act out of love and devotion to Him. As we seek to honor Him in our choices, let’s also seek to extend grace and understanding to those who may live out their faith differently, knowing that we are all moving toward the same goal: to glorify God and to be transformed more into the image of Christ.

Let’s strive to be mindful of our attitudes, aiming to be a source of encouragement rather than a stumbling block to others. Just as Christ died and rose for us all, we are called to love, respect, and uplift one another, celebrating the beautiful diversity of our faith expressions. In doing so, we reflect God’s grace and love to the world, embodying His Kingdom on earth.

This passage calls us to let go of judgment over minor issues. Ask God to help you embrace others with grace, even when their practices differ from yours. Reflect on whether your actions, choices, and attitudes genuinely honor God. Let this mindset guide your everyday decisions.

Paul emphasizes that those who eat and those who abstain both give thanks to God. Practicing gratitude can deepen your connection to God, making your daily actions a reflection of worship.

~~~~~

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your boundless love that welcomes each of us, with our unique strengths and convictions, into Your family. Remind me that my journey, just like my brothers’ and sisters’ journeys, is precious to You. Lord, teach me to see beyond outward differences and to recognize the heart of devotion in each believer’s life. Help me to hold my own convictions firmly yet with humility, never using them as a measure for others but as a way to glorify You.

When I am tempted to judge, give me a heart of compassion. When I see diversity in Your church, let it deepen my respect for the freedom and beauty of life in Christ. May my words, choices, and actions reflect a spirit of unity and peace that honors Your love for us all. Shape me into a bridge of grace, helping me to lift others up in love rather than setting them apart by differences.

In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, Amen.

November 13 2024