A Word of Encouragement

December 27, 2025

In Days of Old - Circa 1960

Grace, Hope & Peace, Friend;

To our shame, Christians can be among the harshest critics of other Christians. "They don't believe like we do, so we won't associate with them." This is not new. We see it in the early church, as more and more Gentiles believed the gospel. The Jewish believers felt the Gentile believers were inferior/weaker because they didn't obey the Law. While the Gentile believers felt the Jewish believers were weaker because they clung to the Law instead of embracing the freedom that Jesus brings.

Paul started addressing the issue by asking, "Who are you to judge the servant of another?" And writing, "Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind." (Romans 14:4-5) Instead of nitpicking what others believe, what has the Holy Spirit taught US?

When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth;
	John 16:13a-c

He has come; do we listen to Him?

Then Paul added,

We who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not just please ourselves. Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. For even Christ did not please Himself
	Romans 15:1-3a

If anyone knows the truth, it is Jesus - He is the Truth! (John 14:6) Yet He did not hold Himself apart from the weak! In fact, the religious leaders criticized Him for association with "tax collectors and sinners." (Matthew 9:11) "Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us, for the glory of God." (Romans 15:7)

'Accept' does not mean 'compromise.' You believe what the Spirit teaches you and trust that He will continue to guide you both. Solomon wrote, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17) The Holy Spirit may be trying to show you something through them!

El Elyon - God Most High - Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land;

Guide me O Thou great Jehovah

As for me, my prayer is to You, Lord, at an acceptable time; God, in the greatness of Your mercy, answer me with Your saving truth.
	Psalm 69:13

Accept one another,