We all have our opinions. There is saying that states “There is a time and place for everything”. However we have all met people who think the saying goes like this “There is a time and opinion for everything”. There is another saying that states “Keep your opinions to yourself”. The truth is in the middle that “There is a time and a place to give our opinion and usually it should be reserved for when asked”.
14 Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.
Apostle Paul was speaking to believers in the book of Romans who were struggling with getting along with those of different opinions. He told them that we all have different histories therefore we all will see things from a different prospective. He told them that they were to treat each other gently.
We all have different perspectives. Depending on how, where and when we were raised our outlook will vary. A person who was raised as a strict vegetarian may have a difficult time understanding a person who allows meat in their diet and vice versa. God wants us to put aside petty disputes and our various opinions and welcome each other with open arms.
We should be gentle with each other and focus on what we can agree with, that Jesus is Lord! Although this particular message was primarily directed to believers it is a message that the whole world can use. Politeness and gentleness are characteristics that would make the world just a nicer place to live in.
As believers we are commanded to Love our neighbor as ourselves. Unless we as believers begin to show the world by example these characteristics how will they spread to others. Spreading our opinions around will never accomplish the work of God. If we share God’s love with our world and keep our opinions to ourselves, we will begin to see the world around us change for the better.
Let’s devote today to keep our opinions and differences from causing divisions with our brothers and sisters. Let’s follow Jesus’ example of self-sacrifice and embrace with open arms a lost and dying world. In doing this we will see people desperate for hope discover hope in Christ.