URC Daily Devotion Saturday, 26 August 2023
Let us therefore no longer pass judgement on one another, but resolve instead never to put a stumbling-block or hindrance in the way of another. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. If your brother or sister is being injured by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. Do not let what you eat cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died. So do not let your good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The one who thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and has human approval. Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual edification. Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for you to make others fall by what you eat; it is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that makes your brother or sister stumble. The faith that you have, have as your own conviction before God. Blessed are those who have no reason to condemn themselves because of what they approve. But those who have doubts are condemned if they eat, because they do not act from faith; for whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
Reflection
As I reflected on these words, I considered how I could translate them into some practical ‘tips’. I came up with the following as what I believe the passage to be telling us to exhibit as Christians, both to our fellow Christians and to others alike.
As Christians, we are called to:
• Love one another without jumping to judgement or suspicion- we should respect each other; essentially treat others as we would wish to be treated and also to think the best of every situation.
• Support each other to be the best we can be, supporting in the removal of any ‘stumbling blocks’ e.g. difficulties, things that hinder us, and challenges – so essentially, we are to be each others’ helpers, cheerleaders, problem solvers, and teammates!
• Value your brothers’ and sisters’ needs and wants as much as you value yours; so we are to put ourselves in their shoes and to try and empathise with what they need and want.
• Speak positively and set a good example, rejecting evil, exhibiting God’s peace, having joy in our hearts, and basking in God’s righteousness. We are to be a shining example of love.. also to just be kind.
I then considered how I could do more of the above. For me, the answer is to consider what the recipients of the above would feel like if I did more of this. As empathy (so I am told!) is a strength of mine, thinking in this way gives me motivation to just do more.
So, if you agree with some of the above ‘tips’, can I encourage you to reflect on your own motivations for doing more of the above, and to consider what prevents you from practising these. This can be a way that we could be a blessing to those we encounter.
Prayer
Father God
Being kind, Supporting each other, Showing love, Speaking positively, and Valuing each other really is not that hard.
Father God
Please help us make the permanent changes to do more of the above.. and with greater consistency; this is the way we best reflect on all whom we interact with, the love you have for us, and the difference you have made and are making in our lives.
Amen