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We have come to God who is the judge of all,
and the spirits of the good, made perfect;
we have come to Jesus, mediator of the new covenant.
New Testament Reading - Kosher or Not!
13-14Forget about deciding what’s right for each other. Here’s what you need to be concerned about: that you don’t get in the way of someone else, making life more difficult than it already is. I’m convinced—Jesus convinced me!—that everything as it is in itself is holy. We, of course, by the way we treat it or talk about it, can contaminate it.
15-16 If you confuse others by making a big issue over what they eat or don’t eat, you’re no longer a companion with them in love, are you? These, remember, are persons for whom Christ died. Would you risk sending them to hell over an item in their diet? Don’t you dare let a piece of God-blessed food become an occasion of soul-poisoning!
17-18 God’s kingdom isn’t a matter of what you put in your stomach, for goodness’ sake. It’s what God does with your life as he sets it right, puts it together, and completes it with joy. Your task is to single-mindedly serve Christ. Do that and you’ll kill two birds with one stone: pleasing the God above you and proving your worth to the people around you.
19-21 So let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don’t drag them down by finding fault. You’re certainly not going to permit an argument over what is served or not served at supper to wreck God’s work among you, are you? I said it before and I’ll say it again: All food is good, but it can turn bad if you use it badly, if you use it to trip others up and send them sprawling. When you sit down to a meal, your primary concern should not be to feed your own face but to share the life of Jesus. So be sensitive and courteous to the others who are eating. Don’t eat or say or do things that might interfere with the free exchange of love.
22-23 Cultivate your own relationship with God, but don’t impose it on others. You’re fortunate if your behavior and your belief are coherent. But if you’re not sure, if you notice that you are acting in ways inconsistent with what you believe — some days trying to impose your opinions on others, other days just trying to please them — then you know that you’re out of line. If the way you live isn’t consistent with what you believe, then it’s wrong.
. . . . . Romans 14:13-23Note from Prayer7s: Paul was raised a Jew, not just a Jew but one of the strictest. The Jews have 613 rules to follow, including rules about food. But Peter had been shown by God that he was to accept the Gentiles coming to faith, without imposing those laws upon them. The Council in Jerusalem after much prayer and discussion, decided not to impose those Jewish religious rules upon new gentile followers of Jesus. Jewish believers may still feel it is wrong and be uncomfortable about breaking kosher rules. It does not hurt to abide by those rules when in their company. It being better to not argue about these small unimportant issues but to accept each other in love. Don't let these issues make others uncomfortable. The same can be said in many situations in life, sometimes it is better to keep your mouth shut, and your opinions to yourself rather than hurt others feelings. However it is our mission to share the gospel and we must not take any action condoning behaviour that we know is wrong. Also if specifically asked don't lie, speak the truth, even if it might offend others. The truth is often inconvenient but it is the truth, and Christians should not lie!
Intercession
Pray for 5 people on your heart ending with the prayer below.
Heavenly Father
We pray for… those in need:
those who suffer;
the sick;
the poor;
the distressed;
the lonely; the unloved;
the persecuted;
the unemployed;
those who grieve; and those who care for them…
Comfort and heal, merciful Lord,
all who are in sorrow, need, sickness, or any other trouble.
Give them a firm trust in your goodness;
help those who minister to them;
and bring us all into the joy of your salvation.
Father, hear our prayer,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
