My Convictions And Other People. Lesson 19 of 40

It is a huge turnoff when people try to push what God told them to do on others.  I can admit that I have been guilty of doing this very thing.    As believers, we should all agree on the essentials of the Christian faith. However, the more I mature in Christ, I am learning that we wont always have the same convictions on matters that are nonessential.   Our love for Jesus doesn’t erase the fact that we come from different backgrounds and we have different stories, giftings, callings and personalities. We are not cookie cutters.  I may feel very strongly about something wile my brother or sister in Christ may not.

It is so important that we don’t condemn or judge others or try to make them feel bad for not yielding to our convictions. Instead, our job is to focus on obeying the specific things God instructed us to do because it is connected to His purpose for our lives.   I think about Samson’s mother who received strict instructions on what she should do while pregnant with Samson.  Not every pregnant woman in Israel at the time had the same restrictions. Why is that?  The restrictions given to Samson’s mother was directly connected to the call and purpose on Samson’s life.

Despite our differences, let us strive to love each other and be co laborers to further the kingdom of God.

Romans 14:1-4

Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. ² For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. ³ Those who feel free to eat anything must not look down on those who don’t. And those who don’t eat certain foods must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them. ⁴ Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants?