I’ve heard a lot of well-meaning folks lately talk down to those who are altering their lives and businesses because of the virus. Some have even questioned the faith of people who didn’t go to church last Sunday or the church leaders who made the decision to have online church only.
If I may... When churches larger than 500 moved to online services only this past weekend, they were actually being obedient to Romans 13:1. By respecting the authority of civil government, our employers and other leaders, we are being obedient which is pleasing to God, we protect our own authority and we display the true humility of Christ-likeness.
In the next chapter, Romans 14, Paul addresses the struggle some were having with whether their choices about physical things like food and drink were going to put them in danger spiritually, as well as physically. Then Paul writes in the first verse of the very next chapter, “We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves.” Romans 15:1
OK, so I’m in good physical health. I’m still young (plan to stay that way a long time). And I have faith in the keeping power of God and when I need it, the healing power of God. And that’s why I say this whole virus issue is not about me. And if you’re younger than me and in better health than me and have the same faith in Jesus as me, then it’s not about you either.
“Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.” Romans 14:1
The whole message of these three chapters in Romans is a challenge to those who are strong in their faith. And perhaps in our present situation it applies to those who are physically stronger as well.
We are to submit to authority in order to keep our conscience clear. see Romans 13:5
We must love others as ourselves and do nothing that would harm them in any way, physically, spiritually or emotionally. see Romans 13:9-10
Don’t be critical or condemning of other Christians. see Romans 14:4, 10
Let’s make sure our actions and words don’t get in someone else’s way of living for Jesus. see Romans 14:13
With everything we do in the body of Christ let us seek peace and to be encouraging! see Romans 14:19
We must be considerate of others, not disregarding their fears, and at the same time overlooking their weaknesses, and not be only concerned about our own needs and desires. see Romans 15:1-2
And we should always pray for others to have the wisdom and virtue to do what is right and continue growing in their faith! see Romans 15:2Coronavirus i not About Me
If I may... When churches larger than 500 moved to online services only this past weekend, they were actually being obedient to Romans 13:1. By respecting the authority of civil government, our employers and other leaders, we are being obedient which is pleasing to God, we protect our own authority and we display the true humility of Christ-likeness.
In the next chapter, Romans 14, Paul addresses the struggle some were having with whether their choices about physical things like food and drink were going to put them in danger spiritually, as well as physically. Then Paul writes in the first verse of the very next chapter, “We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves.” Romans 15:1
OK, so I’m in good physical health. I’m still young (plan to stay that way a long time). And I have faith in the keeping power of God and when I need it, the healing power of God. And that’s why I say this whole virus issue is not about me. And if you’re younger than me and in better health than me and have the same faith in Jesus as me, then it’s not about you either.
“Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.” Romans 14:1
The whole message of these three chapters in Romans is a challenge to those who are strong in their faith. And perhaps in our present situation it applies to those who are physically stronger as well.
We are to submit to authority in order to keep our conscience clear. see Romans 13:5
We must love others as ourselves and do nothing that would harm them in any way, physically, spiritually or emotionally. see Romans 13:9-10
Don’t be critical or condemning of other Christians. see Romans 14:4, 10
Let’s make sure our actions and words don’t get in someone else’s way of living for Jesus. see Romans 14:13
With everything we do in the body of Christ let us seek peace and to be encouraging! see Romans 14:19
We must be considerate of others, not disregarding their fears, and at the same time overlooking their weaknesses, and not be only concerned about our own needs and desires. see Romans 15:1-2
And we should always pray for others to have the wisdom and virtue to do what is right and continue growing in their faith! see Romans 15:2Coronavirus i not About Me
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