Sermon Seeds: Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020
“Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. Those who observe the day, observe it in honor of the Lord. Also those who eat, eat in honor of the Lord, since they give thanks to God; while those who abstain, abstain in honor of the Lord and give thanks to God.”
In our expression of faith are Baptists, Catholics, Episcopalians, Lutheran, Methodists, Nazarene, Pentecostal, etc. In our expression of politics we are Democrat, Libertarian, Republican, etc. In our expression of hobbies we are crafters, cooks, gamers, gardeners, golfers, readers, etc.
We may not agree on every point. We may slightly disagree. We may be utter and complete polar opposites. I am convinced that what Paul is writing to the Romans is that our purpose is to seek to glorify God. The expression of that glorification may be different but no less pure than another.
Where we fail as lovers of Jesus is when the expression of our faith causes our behavior to change from open and welcoming to irritation and hostility. When we blast our neighbor for their beliefs, it assumes we view them as inferior and, dare I say, stupid and possibly even non-Christian.
We MUST check our behavior and the expression of our hearts. We CAN disagree and yet still walk in love together. But we will not be able to love Christ and hate our neighbor at the same time.
Peace,MJ+
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