A Primer on Unity

Read Romans 15:1-13

We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.
(Romans 15:1-7)

Reflect

The Roman church was a diverse community. It was made up of Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free people, rich and poor, strong and weak. So it was difficult for them to accept one another—hence the need for Paul’s advice on ways to be unified.

Scripture is a resource we can use to keep unified and to encourage one another. The knowledge of the Scriptures affects our attitude toward people as well as our thoughts on the present and the future. The more we know about what God has done in years past, the greater the confidence we have about what he will do in the days ahead. As we read our Bibles diligently, we increase our trust that God’s will is best for us. We can then encourage others as we have been encouraged.

Respond

Accepting means taking people into our homes as well as into our hearts, sharing meals and activities, and avoiding racial and economic discrimination. By going out of our way to avoid favoritism, we show the love of Christ in a powerful way. Be proactive about greeting those you don’t normally talk to, and seek common ground for fellowship. Invite someone over for a meal or for coffee. In this way you are accepting others as Christ has accepted you, and God is given glory. Another good way to show acceptance is to work together with someone. You might choose a ministry you don’t normally get involved in at your church and put your talents to work.

Free to Be

Read Romans 14:1-23

Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. For instance, one person believes it’s all right to eat anything. But another believer with a sensitive conscience will eat only vegetables. 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.
(Romans 14:1-3)

Reflect

Who is weak in faith and who is strong? We are all weak in some areas and strong in others. Our faith is strong in an area if we can survive contact with sinners without falling into their patterns. It is weak in an area if we must avoid certain activities, people, or places in order to protect our spiritual life.

What is weak faith? Paul is speaking about immature faith that has not yet developed the muscle it needs to stand against external pressures. For example, if a person who once worshiped idols were to become a Christian, he might understand perfectly well that Christ saved him through faith and that idols have no real power. Still, because of his past associations, he might be badly shaken if he knowingly ate meat that had been used in idol worship. If a person who once worshiped God on the required Jewish holy days were to become a Christian, he might well know that Christ saved him through faith, not through his keeping of the law. Still, when the feast days came, he might feel empty and unfaithful if he didn’t dedicate those days to God.

Paul responds to both weak brothers in love. Both are acting according to their consciences, but their honest scruples do not need to be made into rules for the church. Certainly some issues are central to the faith and worth fighting for. But many are based on individual differences and should not be legislated. Our principle should be unity in essentials; in non essentials, liberty; in everything, love.

Respond

It is important to take a self-inventory in order to find out our strengths and weaknesses. What are they? Whenever in doubt, ask, “Can I influence others for good, rather than being influenced by them?” Then consider who is under your sphere of influence. How can you use your strengths to encourage that person (or those individuals) without giving in to legalism?