After returning from a singing competition I attended with our diverse women’s chorus, I mulled over the things I shared about my life and faith as the opportunities arose. I love getting to know people on a deeper level and I’ve learned that if I’m open to sharing my life, I need to remain a welcome friend for someone to share their experiences and beliefs too.
Today I want to look at scriptures that guide us in our conversations with others. Before we dive in I want to admit I’ve been both judgy and judged, bound and free, broken and healed… you get the picture.
Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.
When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NLT
Paul shows us how to be around others who hold different beliefs without denying our freedom in Christ. We obey Christ by loving others and one way to do that is to find common ground. Oftentimes for me that means sharing my struggles, both before and after I knew Jesus. Admitting I’ve had times my faith has been shaken or immature. That I’ve had times of correction and growth. Acceptance of others isn’t synonymous with accepting their belief systems, it is about God’s purpose of seeking and saving those who are lost and building up those who falter.
Welcome all the Lord’s followers, even those whose faith is weak. Don’t criticize them for having beliefs that are different from yours. What right do you have to criticize someone else’s servants? Only their Lord can decide if they are doing right, and the Lord will make sure that they do right.
Whether we live or die, it must be for God, rather than for ourselves. Why do you criticize other followers of the Lord? Why do you look down on them? The day is coming when God will judge all of us.
And so, each of us must give an account to God for what we do.
We must stop judging others. We must also make up our minds not to upset anyone’s faith.
Romans 14:1, 4, 7, 10, 12-13 CEV
You may notice the skipping of verses in a few of my quotes. It is only to get to the heart of the message. Feel free to read the whole passage, and before and after for context. For this post I’m focused on the point that judging and criticizing someone for their faith or level of belief is not what God desires. Our interactions with others should always come from the same grace we ourselves have received.
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:3-5, 9-10, 14-18, 21 ESV
There is so much to unpack here. Let me start with the fact that there is a “measure of faith” that each of us has been given. My faith is not like your faith, just like my function in Christ’s body is not the same. Still, we are to act honorably and peaceably in all we do.
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
1 Peter 3:15-16 NIV
The caution we’re given in defending our faith is to be gentle and respectful. If we are living in the truth it will stand on its own merits. If we aren’t, be ready to humbly acquiesce.
So do not go on passing judgment before the appointed time, but wait until the Lord comes, for He will both bring to light the [secret] things that are hidden in darkness and disclose the motives of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.
1 Corinthians 4:5 AMP
It is the Holy Spirit’s responsibility to convict people of sin, and to bring to mind what Jesus taught. Even in this we have our part, we share our lives and our stories and we leave the rest to God.
Let me recap: find common ground, don’t criticize, don’t judge, remember the grace you’ve received, act honorably, peaceably, gently, and respectfully, and give people time to grow in their faith. The next time you disagree with someone or have a different belief, can you approach them with these things in mind?
Grace & Peace,
Sandy
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