Reboot: Reframe Differences

Romans 14:19 “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” 

Now that we are beginning to emerge from 15 months of Covid-life, our city is slowly coming back to life, people are remembering what it is like to be around others, and the gears of society are starting to move again.  It’s like someone pressed a giant reboot button and we are all readjusting. 

In Romans 14, we receive some wisdom on how to work together as we reenter life.  Paul starts out by sharing: “Don’t divide over disputable matters.”  We all have absolutes, interpretations, deductions, and preferences in life.  Division happens when make everything an absolute.  For Paul, the issue was whether the church should eat meat.  For us, the issues are endless.  The principle Paul shares is to think of others and adjust for the other person’s sake. 

How about you?  Are there any personal preferences that have become too important in your life?  Is everything an absolute to you?  How can you think of others and adjust for their sake?

Take a few moments to read and reflect on Romans 14.  Make a chart of your personal absolutes, interpretations, deductions, and preferences.  How will this help you give grace to others?