Think first of others

Romans 14:14 I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. We can gain insight in how to love with Jesus from today’s verse in Rom. 14:14. The general principle is one that Paul specifically wrote to the Philippians. Philippians 2:3-4. “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” We can see Paul’s personal application of this principle in this verse. In regards to food, Paul was convinced in his own mind with Jesus that there are no foods which are unclean. He believed that there were no foods which defiled him. However, if his brother or sister in Christ believed that a certain food would defile him or her, then he considered their opinion as more important than his own when it came to what he ate and what they ate. They should not eat what they believe to be defiling to their relationship with Jesus. As we read in verse 5, Paul believed each person was to be governed by their own convictions on these matters that were disputable such as eating or not eating meat offered to idols. Our encouragement today is that there will be times when although we may be free to do something, but if someone we are with is not free, then we should not do what we have freedom to do. Or if someone we are with is free to do something that we are not free to do, we must not do it because we are convinced it is wrong for us. In either case, we are not to judge or hold contempt toward those with whom we differ. I hope you are convinced in the Lord Jesus that your purpose in life is to glorify God by loving with Him. By the way, that’s not a disputable matter. Many Scriptures clearly state that He is our life, and He is love. We live with Him, and He with us. Jesus is Lord. In the next verse we will see that having this attitude of considering our brother’s or sister’s interests as more important than our own is what love looks like in instances such as this. Living to love with Jesus, we will regard one another as more important than ourselves. Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com