Day 4: Respect For Those Who Think Differently

In Romans 14, Paul is writing to a group of people who are very different and unique. He was writing to people of diverse backgrounds. There were Jewish Christians in the Roman Church who believed that some of the Old Testament ceremonial laws were still binding on New Testament Christians. They were fighting among themselves about whether certain foods (v.1-3) or certain days should be observed (5-6) or not. Though these arguments most likely sprung from questions about the continuity of the Mosaic Law, this correlates to a discussion on how Christians of different convictions about non moral/non revealed matters should handle their differences.

Read Romans 14
Q: What principles can we take from this passage about respecting others who think differently than we do?

Q: Why do you think God wants us to respect people who think differently than us?

Q: Why do you think it’s difficult to respect people who think differently than you?

Q: Do you want people who think differently from you to respect you? Why?

Q: Do you think there is value in interacting and respecting people who think differently than you? Why?

Q: How can you better respect people with differing opinions this week?