In our study of the epistle to the Romans, there is one Scripture that jumped out at me. I hope to make it part of my memory Scriptures. It’s something we all know as believers, but the simplicity of it is quite freeing. The verse is Romans 14:19 — “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification (NIV).”
So I want to encourage you today.
Do What Leads to Peace: What ever you do, make sure it leads to peace. That means what you want is not important. That means you love your brother or sister (who may have offended you) more than you love being right. That means you stop having unrealistic expectations of other people, trying to get them to meet the needs that no one else will be able to BUT God. That means we follow the example of Yeshua — your ministry is always “other-oriented.”
Do What Leads to Mutual Edification: That means if what you say or do does not edify (build up) your brother or sister, don’t do it. Okay, drinking that glass of wine may not be sin for you, but it may be for your brother or sister. So what do you do? Well, Paul in Romans 14 tells us clearly, don’t do it! Yikes! I’ve got my own life to live! Wouldn’t I just be a hypocrite if I drank with other believers and not in front of him/her? Paul says you’re not. He says you are doing the thing that leads to mutual edification! Having a discussion with a brother about whether or not we should drink wine is a nonissue and it is divisive. It leads no where. The bottom line is — don’t try to convince me I’m in bondage if I don’t drink. And I won’t try to convince you of being in sin if you do. I will let the Holy Spirit deal with each of us right where we are. How’s that for following after peace . . . ?
Consider these translations of that same passage of Scripture:
“So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.” (NASB)
“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” (KJV)
Forget about deciding what’s right for each other. Here’s what you need to be concerned about: that you don’t get in the way of someone else, making life more difficult than it already is” (vv 13-14 The Message)
This video by Hezekiah Walker & the Love Fellowship Choir just shows how we are inextricably connected!
I need you! You need me! I won’t harm you with words from my mouth. We are a part of the same Body!
Enjoy!
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