Don't Quarrel Over Disputable Matters; Give Grace To Those Who Don't Share Your Views

Romans 14:1-3; Colossians 3:13

Soul Food

- Romans 14:1-3 (NIV)

“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.”

- Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Soul Search

• Have you ever had a disagreement with someone that was so intense that you’ll never forget it?
  A disagreement so intense that it brings up difficult emotions to this day?
  Can you talk about it?

• Did you, or people you know, suffer broken relationships as a result of disagreements surrounding the covid-19 pandemic? 

• Are you at an impasse because of a broken relationship caused by a disagreement you had with someone?
  Do you think God can help you overcome the hurt in order to find healing?

• Can you have a relationship with someone who disagrees with you on one or more matters?
  What choices would you have to make for yourself in order for there to be a possibility of relationship?

Soul Moves

• In a quiet or prayer time, ask God to help you with memories that are hurtful and that were caused by a disagreement.
  Ask Him to heal your wounds.
  Be listening to what He might say (that ‘inner voice’ in your heart) and pay attention to what He might ask you to do in order to facilitate your healing. 

• Did the covid-19 pandemic provide the fodder for broken relationships in your world?
  If so, what steps might you take to see healing come?

• Most often in relationships that are broken, in order for there to be healing, the ‘bigger’ person – the more courageous, more mature and healthier person – has to make the first move.
  Can you be the ‘bigger person’ in your situation to make the first move toward reconciliation?
  Maybe write a letter, send an email, or pick up the phone – but just make the first move to break the ice.

• Determine to be the kind of person who, in spite of differing viewpoints or differing perspectives on something, will go the extra mile to make sure relationships stay intact.