Read Romans 14

Highlights:

Law of love concerning doubtful things; Jewish and Gentile believers under one salvation.

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 (Rom. 14:4).

One of the greatest temptations in the world is to judge others. But the Holy Spirit clearly reveals that every believer is responsible to the Lord. He alone has the authority to pass judgment. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven (Luke 6:37).

Regardless of how many years of Christian experience a person may have, all criticism, condemnation, and judging of others is simply self-righteous pride and unChristian conduct of which we must rid ourselves. We may think that sometimes because we have been in the faith for so long that it becomes our job to make sure everyone walks the straight and narrow. We make ourself God's police force. As one is pointing out another's flaws, his own flaws are being revealed. Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye (Matt. 7:5).

If we judge our brother, we assume our Lord's role, in effect, place ourselves above Him. To play the role of “Holy Spirit” in that person's life is a very dangerous thing to do. God is the one and only true judge. Therefore, we need to leave the judging up to Him. God is the one who knows the innermost parts of the heart. He knows the things hidden deep inside. Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart (Ps. 44:21). Oh, how much contention, bitterness, and trouble would be avoided among Christians if we left all the judging of others to God! We would all be a lot better off if we would just follow this suggestion.

Praise the Lord that He alone is the only one that can judge the believer. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son (John 5:22). Through the sacrifice of Jesus we can no longer be condemned. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit . . . . That the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us (Rom. 8:1-4).

If you have never received Christ as your personal Savior, we urge you now to accept His free gift of eternal life. How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation (Heb. 2:3).

Thought for Today:

Encourage one another in love; your Christian brother is fighting the same enemy you are fighting.

Cross References:

For Rom. 14:11: See Is. 45:23. Rom. 15:3: See Ps. 69:9. Rom. 15:9: See Ps. 18:49. Rom. 15:10: See Deut. 32:43. Rom. 15:11: See Ps. 117:1. Rom. 15:12: See Is. 11:1,10. Rom. 15:21: See Is. 52:15.

Word Studies:

14:1 not to doubtful disputations, not for passing judgment on his questionable opinions; 16:2 succourer, helper, defender.

Prayer Suggestion: Pray and rejoice in the Lord for all His spiritual blessings (Is. 61:10).

Memory Verse for the Week: Titus 2:13