MONDAY November 25, 2024

Do Not Judge Others

So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.
Colossians 2:16-17

Paul taught the Colossians not to let anyone judge them for eating certain foods or drinks. The Law forbade Jews from eating certain foods because they were considered unclean. As believers, we can go ahead and eat oysters or pork. Christians are not bound by rules and regulations. We are free to eat what we want, for every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving... (1 Timothy 4:4).

People in the church can become very legalistic about such things. However, Paul exhorted Christians to always live by the law of love when exercising their Christian liberties: Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way (Romans 14:13).

Consider the great responsibility you have towards a weaker brother in Christ. Do not exercise your freedoms in front of him and stumble him. Paul taught: ...if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love (Romans 14:15). Love is the key.

Always have a clear conscience before the Lord. It is helpful to judge your actions in the light of 1 Corinthians 10:31: Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Another area that people like to argue about is which day to worship God. Some say Sunday, others Saturday. If you look back and study church history, the early church met on the first day of the week–-Sunday. In keeping with the Jewish Law, the Sabbath was practiced on Saturday. Jesus fulfilled the Law, so Christians do not need to be condemned about what day to go to church. For some of us it depends on our work schedule. In reality, we can worship God any day of the week!

Judging others makes us blind, whereas love is illuminating. By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are.
~Dietrich Bonhoeffer~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!