OUR ATTITUDE COUNTS

Romans 14:1-23

Thursday, 11 September 2025

So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. - Romans 14:12

In today’s reading a very practical subject is dealt with, which if not understood and followed correctly will cause many to stumble. Judging others or living with a critical attitude is what Paul deals with in the text. The believers in Rome were finding it difficult to accept one another with their varied cultural backgrounds that were reflected in their lifestyle. This brought about sharp criticism of one another causing divisions and passing judgment on one another. Paul reminds them that God is the Righteous Judge, and He will judge at the right time. Let us carefully evaluate this subject from the Word of God to have a balanced approach to these things.

Judging others:

"Do not judge others, and you will not be judged (Matt. 7:1). Jesus taught us not to judge others because we all are sinners saved by grace! Where is the merit in us to pass judgment on others, when we owe our right standing to Christ alone? Judging others mostly arises out of our Self-righteous attitude, seeing ourselves on an elevated plane—that we are better off than others. The Bible teaches us to consider our faults first before we pass a comment on others. So if we know our own sinful nature then we will be ashamed to pass judgment on others. You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. (Rom.2:1 NLT)

The believers in the church at Rome consisting of both Jew and Gentile and of varied social status were finding it difficult to accommodate each other’s practices in terms of food or other observances. Paul reminded them that the Kingdom of God was not a matter of eating and drinking, but right living, peaceful co-existence and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom.14:17). In a church, a constant critical attitude to one another creates disunity and is self-destructive. As believers, we are called to operate in love. This calls us to be more considerate about others. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. (1Peter 4:8)

How to operate in love: When we see conduct contrary to the principles in God’s Word, it is the duty of fellow believers to correct the brother or sister in love—not being judgmental about it. This calls for bringing it to their attention and helping them to overcome that weakness of the flesh by admonishing them lovingly. This is the biblical conduct. If we don’t correct the other person thereby allowing him/her to continue in sin, then we are doing him/her wrong. Love thinks the best for the other person. Though it may be a difficult thing to do, the one who considers the good of others and loves them, will take the first chance to correct them in love. 

Also we need to take care about not majoring in minor things: Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian; wearing a particular type of dress or ornaments; keeping special days etc; are causes of greater quarrels among the saints of God. These trivial things have to be set aside, as we learn to be more considerate about others. Our whole attitude should originate out of love towards others and not for gratifying our selfish nature!

Prayer: Heavenly Father help me to operate in love and grow in it. I have often been judgmental about others. Please forgive me and change my attitude. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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