Rewriting the billboards

Romans 14:13-23 

Therefore we must no longer pass judgment on one another, but rather determine never to place an obstacle or a trap before a brother or sister. I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean in itself; still, it is unclean to the one who considers it unclean. For if your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy by your food someone for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what you consider good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God does not consist of food and drink, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. For the one who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by people.

So then, we chase after this peace and the building up one another. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. For although all things are clean, it is wrong to cause anyone to stumble by what you eat. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything that causes your sibling to stumble. The faith you have, keep to yourself before God. Blessed are those who have no reason to condemn themselves because of what they approve. But those who have doubts are condemned if they eat, because they do not act from faith; for whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.

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It should be tremendously noteworthy that the first verse of this passage is not well known. It should be one of those parts of Scripture that is posted on billboards and hand signs in sporting events. Unfortunately, Christians are often perceived of being judgy and hypercritical. It might be preferable to say that it is a certain branch of Christianity, but this text also points to the extremely personal and relational nature of living as a human being that has been forgiven. If we have experienced Grace, we don't beat one another with it.

There is always a way to say helpful words that heal and help, and another way that is sharp and highlights the wrong. 

A couple of days ago, I corrected someone close to me. It was a violation that I declared against the hard tablet of the Ten Commandments. For them, it was a slight a moment of a slip that they immediately recognized and regretted. My words of judgment caused a separation in our relationship that had to later be worked out. I am thankful that they helped me to know how much my words hurt when they were already hurting.

Such "high and mighty" or "holier than thou" are all too frequent for those who are exploring a faith that is new. Sometimes a simple old habit can become an awkward moment or even a rift that leads the newcomer to declare that they are done with two-faced judging Christians.

I have no doubt that we need to learn this sacred text as a core value which represents the Way of Jesus. Others should see us more clearly working to follow his loving teachings.

I should close with the footnote that of course there are times that we have to speak out and directly against injustices and evils. Those, however, are typically systemic and address corporately and together as a people being built up in the process. This text is about personal relationships and making sure that we are loving and careful with our words. One on one, words can cut a little deeper. Friends, family and co-workers do not benefit from spotlights on their every misstep. If, in the unlikely circumstance, however you have awakened to realize that you are living with a current day Hitler type, you are encouraged to speak to that one for those who have no voice. (You should also make reparations for your complicity before you woke up!)

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Great God of all the people,

you are everlasting to everlasting! We praise you and lift you goodness high. We sing to your wonderfulness. Let all we do and say be faithful to your teachings. Let our actions bring you joy. Let our movements in all ways bring about peace and care for your children. Guide my mouth this day to speak only in love. Enable me to find words that are useful and not stinging in any way. Teach me to consider also what you want me to see in the mirror. Let your Holy Law be a force that drives us to your inestimable love, let it show us how much we need your deliverance. Illumine a path that turns away from attitudes of jealousy, fear, enmity or strife. In the Name of Christ, my sibling and teacher. Amen.