11-11-2035 PART 3: Accept One Another: The Unity of Believers in Christ

Section 1

In Romans chapter 14, Paul begins with a command that goes straight to the heart of Christian fellowship: “Accept Christians who are weak in the faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.” The early church in Rome was made up of both Jewish and Gentile believers, each with different customs and sensitivities regarding food, holy days, and conscience. Some believers avoided certain foods to keep their conscience clear, while others felt complete freedom in Christ to eat anything. Paul’s message is simple but powerful—both groups belong to God, and neither has the right to look down on or judge the other. The real issue was not food or ritual, but how believers treated one another. Dividing over such matters, Paul warns, damages the unity Christ died to establish.

Section 2

Paul’s concern was not about dietary laws or cultural practices themselves but about the spirit of judgment among believers. The one who honors specific days or avoids certain foods does so out of devotion to God; the one who feels liberty does so with gratitude to God. Both are accepted by Him. The apostle reminds the church that when believers criticize one another over such differences, they step into dangerous territory—judging someone else’s servant. Christ alone is the Master, and each believer stands or falls before Him. This truth places every Christian under the same authority of grace, not human opinion. The blood of Jesus carries more weight than any disagreement or preference, and God is not pleased when believers allow trivial divisions to disrupt the unity established through the cross.

Section 3

Paul’s teaching calls the church to maturity and humility. Christians will always have differences in style, practice, or tradition—whether it’s about worship music, dress, or holiday observance—but none of these determine salvation or spiritual worth. What matters is sincerity toward God. The world is not the enemy inside the church; division among believers is. Paul urges followers of Christ to remember that their brothers and sisters are not opponents but family, redeemed by the same Savior. Perfect theology belongs only to Jesus, who is Himself the truth. Every believer, though imperfect in understanding, shares in that perfection through Him. Therefore, the call is clear: accept one another, honor the unity of the Spirit, and reflect the love of Christ that outweighs every difference.