Daily Devotion: Complete in Christ Week Nine, Day Two

Reading: Romans 14:1–13

Devotion

One of the easiest ways for Christians to fall into legalism is to take something that God has not made a requirement and make it a requirement for everyone else. Romans 14 deals with disagreements among believers over food and special days. Paul does not tell Christians to judge one another over these differences. Instead, he reminds them that God is the Judge. There is a difference between biblical truth and personal preference.

God has given us commands that we must obey. But there are also areas where faithful Christians may come to different conclusions. We must be careful not to turn our preferences into God's commands. The false teaching in Colossians was dangerous because it placed people under judgment for things that could never make them right with God.

Our standing before God does not come from eating the right food, observing the right day, or following the right tradition. Our standing comes through Christ.

Reflection

• Are there preferences you have ever treated as though they were biblical commands?

• Why is it dangerous to judge another believer based on something Scripture does not require?

• How can you stand firmly for biblical truth while showing grace in areas of Christian liberty?

Prayer

Father, give me wisdom to know the difference between Your commands and my personal preferences. Keep me from judging others by standards You have not given. Help me stand firmly on Your truth while extending grace to others. Amen.