Meet in the Middle
You may not have noticed, but a lot of people are upset. People are upset about politics. Some people are upset about the Corona Virus. There are people upset about virtually any issue you can imagine. If you take a look at the news, social media, or in your work place, you may notice people — even Christians — speaking hatefully or acting nastily to one another. How should we as Christians respond when politics do not go our way? How should we treat people who hold different views than us? Let’s look at some simple Biblical principles from Romans 14 that will help reflect Christ.
1. Don’t compromise on doctrine.
Why do you pass judgement on your brother? Or you, who do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. - Romans 14:10
So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. - Romans 14:12
There are matters of opinion and there are matters of doctrine. There will come a day when we all must stand before the judgement seat of God and give an account for ourselves. Christian doctrine cannot be compromised, because it is the standard against which we all will be judged. Truth is truth and God does not show partiality (Acts 10:34).
However, Christians must be responsible in their handling of God’s word. It is crucial to “Speak the truth in love.” The old adage that “people will not care what you know until they know you care” is true. When we speak in anger, resort to name calling, or hurl insults we are not helping anyone see the truth. We are hardening their hearts to it.
2. Show grace to one another.
As for the one who is weaken faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the wine how abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgement on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. - Romans 14:1-3
It’s easy to see the worst in people. When someone cuts you off in traffic it’s easy to respond with, “Moron! Don’t you know how to drive?” Here’s the problem: that kind of attitude is demeaning and fails to consider the other person. No one is perfect (Rom 3:10). As Christians, we ought to give the benefit of the doubt. We ought to look for the best in others. We must extend to others the grace that has been shown to us.
There are many sincere people who hold opposing views. That does not necessarily make one side right and the other wrong; the standard for truth is God’s word. When conflicts arise, consider the source and show grace to one another.
3. Be a peacemaker.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding. - Romans 14:17-19
“If you can not say anything nice, then do not say anything at all.” You may remember learning this lesson as a child from your mother or a kindergarten teacher. It is a hard thing to control your tongue (James 3), especially when others do not. Rather than slinging mud, Christians must pursue peace with their fellow man and use their words to build each other up, not tear one another down.
Consider the words of Jesus,
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” - Matthew 5:9
