Why Accept our Brothers? (2)

This week, we continue to share on the 10 reasons we should accept our brothers, as taught by Paul in chapter 14 of the Book of Romans:

6. He is your brother (v.10, 13) – Christians are children of the Most High, and should have God’s character of loving kindness. They should even learn to love and do good to their enemies, and be merciful as their Heavenly father is merciful (Luke 6:35-36). How can they then not accept the brothers who have been redeemed by the Lord’s precious blood? Paul wrote to Philemon, asking him to accept the slave who had done him wrong and ran away, because the slave Onesimus had now become a brother in Christ. We should indeed learn to accept those brothers who had wronged us, not only to manifest God’s character of love, but also in consideration of how much more we ourselves owe the Lord.

7. We all have to face the judgment of the Lord (v.10) – Christians should accept one another in the Lord with love, regardless of whether a member had ever offended us. Paul taught us that we should rather be wronged or cheated than to have the glory of God be blemished because of disputes between Christians (1 Corinthians 6:7). Many times he encouraged Christians to have a positive and proactive attitude in waiting for the judgment of God, because on judgment day, all that is hidden in darkness and the motives of men’s hearts will be exposed and made plain at that time. If we focus on following the Truth, perform our duties loyally, and patiently await the coming of the Lord, we will receive praise and the crown of righteousness from God (1 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Timothy 4:8).

8. Live by the principle of love (v.15) – Paul reminded us that if Christians cause distress in their brothers because of trivial things such as food and drink, or even make them stumble, then they are no longer acting in love. Earlier in Romans 13:8, he pointed out: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.” Jesus Christ had instructed His disciples to love one another, and Paul also taught us how to live by the principle of love: “It (love) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:7) “Love always” means that the lessons learnt by members in acceptance of brothers who are different from us in character, point of view and methodology when dealing together with things of varying importance, are a litmus test of our loving character.

9. Concerning the Kingdom of God and the work of God (v.17-20) – Paul said that the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating or drinking, and we must not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. He meant that the matters of earthly living cannot compare with the Kingdom of God because they do not have true and eternal value. If Christians can focus on acting in righteousness, love peace, be full of the joy of the Holy Spirit, seek harmony and build up one another in the Truth, and also accept the weaker members in Christ, then it will help establish the church (the work of God) and expand the Kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 3:9).

10. It is a sin to cause someone to fall because of secondary things in this life (v.21) - Everything is permissible for a Christian, but in everything he should benefit others and be constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others (1 Corinthians 10:23-24). Do not cause anyone to fall because we cannot accommodate and forgive. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God - even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” (1 Corinthians 10:31-33)

This writer hopes that our church can truly understand the will of God, put the teaching of the Lord into practice, and live by the example of Jesus Christ.

By: Daniel To