Romans 14 and 15 (the first part) Reveal to us that except a few other things, Our Lord does not want us to judge others, nor to go extremes, nor to be too rigid, and nor to stick to certain rules or regulations in the church life. Rather, He wants us to be flexible, balanced, peaceful and harmonious with others. If indeed we walk according to love, i.e. in the principle of love (Rom. 14:15), we may forbear others, cover others, consider others' feeling, situation and need, and we may not judge or condemn others, nor stumble others.

Furthermore, should we all be in one accord in the important and primary issues in the church, we could enjoy a healthy, happy and heavenly church life. In fact, it is not necessary, nor feasible for all of us to be agreeable to all the secondary things. Why should we be so subjective to force others to take our view? Sometimes we may consider something good, but others may think totally opposite.

We must be aware that we are just servants or slaves of the Lord, even unprofitable slaves (Luke 17:10). We also need to remember always the short clause "who are you" in Rom. 14:4. In other words, we have absolutely no right to judge and condemn others. In the church life as well as in the family life, each every one of us should endeavor to:

1. understand one another, not misunderstand;
2. confess to one another, not condemn;
3. forgive one another, not accuse;
4. intercede one another, not demand;
5. be humble to one another, not boast;
6. love one another, not hate;
and practice to blend, build up, pray, fellowship, rejoice, even suffer together.

Several years ago, in a Lord's table meeting, certain young brother called one unfit and improper hymn after breaking the bread and sharing the cup. Right away I changed to another hymn of worshipping the Father. Although what I did seemed to be right, fit, legal and proper, I was afraid of having stumbled this young one. I regret this unexpected occurrence even until this day. I really should not be too strict in dealing with the young people in this aspect.

As discussed above, judging others would damage, even destroy the church life. Therefore, let us practice "judge one another no longer" (Rom. 14:13). Of course, it is very hard, almost impossible to do this by our natural self. Yet, it is surely no problem to do it in Him who empowers us (Phil.4:13). May He increase in us and we live Him day by day. Amen!

Bro. Joseph