If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of intense slander you might have drawn some courage from Romans 14:4.  It is a reminder that despite your shortcomings and failures  “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)  It  is also a firm declaration that God is for the weaker brother or sister.  And that, in the presence of  their critics!

Criticism of our brothers and sisters in the Lord should never be taken lightly.  While there is never room for compromise on the essentials, let us tread fearfully as this relates to the non-essentials, or a man’s conscience. Failure to do so could mean finding  yourself in the frightful predicament of  condemning the man whom God approves.

 “Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” (Romans 14:4)

“Differences of opinion prevailed even among the immediate followers of Christ and their disciples. Nor did St. Paul attempt to end them…Attempts for producing absolute oneness of mind among Christians would be useless. Let not Christian fellowship be disturbed with strifes of words. It will be good for us to ask ourselves, when tempted to disdain and blame our brethren; Has not God owned them? and if he has, dare I disown them?” – Matthew Henry