WEEK 29 – DAY 1

July 19, 2021

BY HIS GRACE I STAND

Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. Romans 14:1-4

Christians are not here to judge each other. We tend to forget that. We tell people they are saved by grace and then expect them to follow whatever rules we have chosen to embrace. Even if we feel the guidelines are strongly based on God’s word, we are not to set ourselves up as judges over other believers. The “disputable matters” might include hairstyles, clothing, moderate drinking, movie choices, amount of television, etc. I am accountable for my own choices and must sincerely seek the Lord regarding the things I allow in my life so that I might choose things that enhance rather than hinder my walk with Him. But even when I fail to meet the standards, I believe God has shown me, His grace is still sufficient. God enables me to stand. In fact, it is only by God’s grace that any believer stands, whether he be considered weaker or stronger in the faith compared to another believer. God has accepted me. I am his child. He chose to adopt me, and the adoption price was the life of Christ who died in my place. God was able to raise Jesus from the dead, and He is able to cover me with his own Son’s righteousness and enable me to stand. No matter how meticulously I live before Him, I could never stand on my own merit. Praise the Lord for picking us up and providing the grace we need to stand firm!

Father, thank You for forgiving us. Thank You that by Your grace we are able to live abundantly. Give us grace to be a testimony to Your love. Help us to not judge others. Help us trust You to show others what their actions need to be. Help us to accept those whom You have chosen even when we disagree.