Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the Law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other Commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the Law. Romans, Chapter 13, verses 8-10.
I think God had this passage written for people like me who get caught up in trying to remember too many things and end up forgetting most of it. This way I don’t have to remember all types of different rules about being a Christian. In order to lead my life as an example of how God works through me, I just have to remember one rule: Love thy neighbor as thyself. This covers everything else.
When I contemplate talking rudely to a sales person who has been less than courteous to me, all I have to do is think, “Is this how God would want me to treat someone else?” I wish I could say I always remember that before I give a sarcastic reply, but it often pops in my mind and I’m less apt to respond hatefully. I definitely am not perfect but want to work toward being a better example of how God works in my life.
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? To his own Master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. Romans, Chapter 14, verses 1-6.
Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. Let not then your good be evil spoken of: For the kingdom of God
These passages have influenced my life in a number of ways. I had been struggling for years about whether we should be going to church on Saturday or on Sunday, or whether it was okay to eat meat or not. I admire my aunt and uncle who are very devout Christians who go to church on a different day and eat somewhat differently than I do.
God says that whether we eat meat or not, or go to church on Saturday or Sunday doesn’t determine our Salvation. Our Salvation is because of our faith in Jesus and living as an example of how He works in our lives. What matters is that we follow our beliefs.
He also tells us that we aren’t supposed to taunt others because their beliefs are different than ours by putting a stumbling block before them. An example would be, having friends over for dinner who don’t eat meat for religious reasons and only having meat courses, putting them in an awkward position.
We need to support others and not be judgmental. I need to keep focusing on God to lead me in the direction that He wants instead of worrying about what everyone else is doing or not doing. It sounds like these details don’t matter to Him as long as they are done to glorify God.
Here are some related passages:
*But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither if we eat not, are we the worse. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak. 1 Corinthians, Chapter 8, verses 8-9.
*Notwithstanding thou mayest kill and eat flesh in all thy gates, whatsoever thy soul lustest after, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which He hath given thee: the unclean and the clean may eat thereof, as of the roebuck, and as of the hart. Only ye shall not eat the blood; ye shall pour it upon the earth as water. Deuteronomy, Chapter 12, verses 15-16.
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans, Chapter 15, verses 4-6.
When I get upset about things or worried about family situations, I will often pick up the Bible. I don’t usually open it to the spot where I left off the last time. I pick up the Bible with both hands and open it and read whatever is on those pages. I always say a little prayer first for God to take care of my understanding, comprehension and retention. Although it doesn’t happen every time, it’s amazing how many times I open the Bible to pages that specifically relate to my particular situation. I feel God guides me to the particular pages He wants me to read which calm me down and comfort me, just like this passage says.
Because this is an example of how I’ve applied this Bible passage to my life, it doesn't necessarily reflect the whole meaning of the passage.
Bible Study: Relating the Bible to YOUR Life!
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A Christian Caregiver
Christ's Grace Abounds
Creation: What's It Matter?
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Free 2 Share VBS (Free VBS Curriculum)
Christian Overeaters Past and Present Support Links
Jesus Calls, But Do Your Actions Say You Don't Desire Him?
Types of Christians
A Christian Caregiver
Christ's Grace Abounds
Creation: What's It Matter?
How to Know Jesus Is God's Son
Free 2 Share VBS (Free VBS Curriculum)
Christian Overeaters Past and Present Support Links
Jesus Calls, But Do Your Actions Say You Don't Desire Him?
