Don't Look Down...On Those Weak In The Faith

I look down on those with weaker in the faith than I. Who are we to judge another servant's ways? He is accountable only to His Master-God. Let God be the judge.

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. Romans 14:1-4

This passage mentions judging others based on their weak faith. These judgments can be made concerning huge, spiritual faults, or even trivial, religious preferences. Christianity and, frankly, our personalities come with a lot of different opinions, methods, beliefs, and habits. We tend to make rules for ourselves that affect these things. 

"Legalism has a way of making us think that we are stronger than those who don't keep the rules the way we do." Guzik

Weak faith does not equal weak morals. 

Those struggling with weak faith may be new born Christians. They need experience walking in the Spirit and learning His ways before their faith is strong. A weak faith can also be attributed to a lack of good teaching. Those malnourished in the Word need to expose their ears to sermons, Bible Study, godly advice, and uplifting worship music in order to build up their faith. And, finally, those with weak faith may need some encouragement. Exhortation from the body of Christ through verses, letters, compliments, accountability, and prayer can give believers the boldness they need to continue strong in the faith.  

 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. Romans 14:10

We are ALL accountable to God, not each other. We are not in the right position to make credible judgments on others solely based on conscience. This does not mean we should not admonish one another. But, when we do, we should do so in love on the basis of Scripture, not opinion. 

We are tempted to judge from a strict standpoint, criticizing others' "unspiritual" ways. Or we are tempted to judge from a free standpoint, showing contempt on others' "overly spiritual", uptight ways. Either way is wrong. Some believers' faith does not allow them to be exposed to certain grey areas of sin. Their faith is not strong enough to see this movie or go to that restaurant without sinning. Let us respect their guidelines by not enticing them to sin. Instead of causing them to stumble, let us:

...pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Romans 14:19

4 additional ways we can keep from looking down:

♥︎ Love others as much as you love yourself.

♥︎ Put on a sympathizing love: Make the feelings of others your own. 

♥︎ Put on a sacrificial love: Stoop to the lowest of tasks, Reach out to the lowest of people.

♥︎ In Guzik's words, "Stop worrying about your brother. You have enough to answer for before Jesus".

☎︎

The Girl Next Door