Scripture meditations like this one help us connect with God each day and help us recognize reasons why the Bible is relevant today.
Why Do We Believe Different Things?
Do you use liturgical prayers or make them up as you go? Do you worship by singing hymns or the latest CCM jams? Do you abstain from alcohol completely, or have a glass of wine with dinner? In his letter to the Roman church, issues like these might be considered what Paul calls “disputable matters” (Romans 14:1), meaning they’re a matter of personal conviction. They don’t determine whether or not you’re a “true Christian,” and shouldn’t cause you to question another Christian’s faith.
While there are essentials of the faith, many topics are less clear. These kinds of differences and preferences often divide us, but what if instead, we saw them as opportunities to learn new ways of connecting with God and honoring him?
Romans 14:5-6
5 One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. 6 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.
Observations from the Text
- We can honor God in different ways (v. 5-6)
- Each of us should be convinced of our own convictions (v. 5)
- Whatever practices we choose should be done out of love for God and with a thankful heart (v. 6)
Prayers of Response
Almighty Father, there are many ways to praise you. Thank you for the diverse range of ways we can serve you and glorify you.
God of Truth, thank you for putting _________ in my life who practices their faith differently than I do, and for what that teaches me about your heart.
Prayer Requests
Gracious Savior, fill me with love and compassion for my brothers and sisters, _________ [names], especially when we might disagree.
Holy Spirit, give me a teachable heart that’s open to hearing how other people show you love.
Prayers of Readiness
When I discuss _________, may I be fully committed to my convictions while giving others space to live out theirs.
Way of Life, may everything I do be done in love with thanksgiving.
Connect with God in the ordinary, extraordinary, everyday moments of life through other Scripture meditations like this one. Check out this page for more!
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
