Week 11 | 3
Looking After One Another
Romans 14:1-12
In Romans 14, Paul warns believers about the danger of judgmentalism within the body of Christ. He reminds us that while accountability is essential, condemnation is destructive. Each believer stands before the same Lord, and not every conviction is identical in “gray” areas of the faith. What might be sin for one may not be for another, depending on conscience, maturity, and context. Therefore, we are called to love one another, build each other up, and avoid becoming stumbling blocks to our brothers and sisters. The mark of true spiritual maturity is not freedom without restraint but love that considers the faith journey of others.
Application
1. Check Your Heart Before You Correct Others
Before confronting another believer, ask if your motive is restoration or reputation. True accountability aims to heal, not to humiliate.
2. Distinguish Between “Gray” and “Black-and-White”
Some matters (like drunkenness or immorality) are clearly sinful; others (like social habits, music styles, or cultural customs) may not be. Don’t make your personal preferences universal laws.
3. Choose Conversation Over Condemnation
When disagreement arises, dialogue in humility. Condemnation hardens; conversation softens. Leave room for the Holy Spirit to work where you cannot. Condemning and condoning almost always push away while loving
confrontation with truth allows the Holy Spirit to work in the lives of others.
4. Be a Stepping-Stone, Not a Stumbling Block
Let your example draw people closer to Jesus, not drive them further away. Paul reminds us that love builds up, but pride tears down.
5. Honor Conscience—Yours and Theirs
Respect another believer’s convictions even if you disagree. God is shaping each of us differently for the same purpose: Christlikeness.
Before confronting another believer, ask if your motive is restoration or reputation. True accountability aims to heal, not to humiliate.
2. Distinguish Between “Gray” and “Black-and-White”
Some matters (like drunkenness or immorality) are clearly sinful; others (like social habits, music styles, or cultural customs) may not be. Don’t make your personal preferences universal laws.
3. Choose Conversation Over Condemnation
When disagreement arises, dialogue in humility. Condemnation hardens; conversation softens. Leave room for the Holy Spirit to work where you cannot. Condemning and condoning almost always push away while loving
confrontation with truth allows the Holy Spirit to work in the lives of others.
4. Be a Stepping-Stone, Not a Stumbling Block
Let your example draw people closer to Jesus, not drive them further away. Paul reminds us that love builds up, but pride tears down.
5. Honor Conscience—Yours and Theirs
Respect another believer’s convictions even if you disagree. God is shaping each of us differently for the same purpose: Christlikeness.
Closing Prayer
Lord, help me to honor You and my brothers and sisters in Christ in everything I say and do. Guard me from a judgmental spirit and teach me to build bridges, not barriers. Make me an encourager who spurs others on toward faithfulness and joy. When correction is needed, let it be clothed in gentleness and truth. May my life be a stepping-stone that helps others walk closer to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.