11 MAY 23 Thursday: A Closer Walk Devotional
“For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose-to be Lord both of the living and of the dead.” Romans 14:7-9
These verses sit in the middle of a passage that gives a warning to believers of the dangers of negative criticism. The words judgment and condemnation are flung about as synonymous to people these days. When people are corrected or rebuked, they feel the sting of guilt and shame. It is an unpleasant feeling that affects the giver and receiver alike.
Paul and Jesus himself, tell us not to judge in a manner that tears people down. We should judge in a manner that builds people up and fortifies them for this life and the next. Paul is dealing with people that are being harsh with things that are not sins, but making them feel like they are. That can damage a person and their walk with the Lord.
Ultimate judgment comes from the Lord and we will have to give an account to Him for everything we have said and done. When it comes to sin, we are to judge and correct for the purpose of building the other person up. Jesus told many after their encounter to go and sin no more. He was never light on sin and never left it unchecked. We do not have a license to sin.
The verse above is the foundation of our being and doing, we live and die to honor the Lord. How we live is important to God and we have much freedom to express our thanks and praise to Him. Even in our death, we can bring God glory. Tenderly correcting one another along the way, will ensure their growth and ours. We can then stand confidently before God accounting for our actions in this life.
Are you fortifying relationships or blowing them up?
Reading Plan: Psalm 70, 71; Prov. 11; Rom 14:1-12; Luke. 8:26-39
No comments:
Post a Comment