Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.
—Romans 14:13-21

~~~~~

Love in Liberty
By Jennifer Kane

In the space between freedom and restraint,
it’s love which stands guard,
holding mercy in its hands,
a gentle, firm reminder
that liberty bows to love.

Is my freedom to be hemmed in
by the narrow walls of another’s conscience?
Yes,
for love does not seek its own,
but bends,
to embrace the weak in their struggle.

Yet, when the boundaries of grace are crossed,
and the liberty of Christ is chained
by the weight of human scruples,
it is only then we stand firm.

No man is master here—
only Christ,
whose love knows no bounds,
whose mercy flows free,
even when the path is narrow.

To the strait-laced,
we extend love,
but not at the cost of truth,
not at the surrender of the freedom
purchased by blood.

If they demand,
“If you do not conform,
you are not His,”
then love speaks boldly,
“I cannot yield.
For in Christ,
we are free.”

Mercy does not make slaves of love,
but binds hearts together,
in the service of the One
who calls us brethren,
who loves without condition,
and commands us
to walk in both truth and grace.

~~~~~

Scriptures: Romans 14:13-21

Paul calls us to refrain from judging one another, a reminder of Jesus’ teaching on the Sermon on the Mount—that judgment should be measured as we would have it measured against us. We are to admonish and rebuke according to clear Scriptural truths, but in matters of personal conviction, judgment should be withheld.

How often do I judge others based on personal convictions rather than biblical principles?

Am I willing to lay aside my liberty for the sake of a brother or sister?

Paul emphasizes that our actions should be guided by love. Though nothing is inherently unclean, if our liberty causes another to stumble, we fail to walk in love.

In what ways can I show love by considering the conscience and convictions of others?

Am I willing to sacrifice personal freedoms to avoid causing spiritual harm?

The focus shifts to the Kingdom’s priorities: righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, urging us to value these over disputes about secondary matters.

Do my actions reflect the priorities of God’s Kingdom?

How can I promote peace and joy in my relationships?

Paul calls us to edify one another, ensuring our actions build up, not tear down, the work of God.

How can I contribute to the spiritual growth of others?

Are there areas where I need to prioritize others’ well-being over personal rights?

~~~~~

Heavenly Father, I come before You, humbled by Your Word, seeking to live in harmony and love as You have called me. Teach me to refrain from passing judgment on others, recognizing that my personal convictions should never become a stumbling block for others. Help me to walk in love, willing to lay aside my liberties for the sake of my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Lord, remind me that the Kingdom of God is not about external matters but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. May my actions reflect these priorities, promoting unity and edification within the body of Christ. Let me be instruments of Your peace, building others up and encouraging spiritual growth.

Grant me the wisdom to navigate the balance between liberty and love, standing firm in the freedom You have given me through Christ while being sensitive to the consciences of others. May my life be a testimony of Your love and grace, bringing glory to Your name.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

January 14 2025