Tues's Devo - The "Cons" of Christianity

Read Ro. 14
The theme of this chapter is conviction and conscience. It teaches us how to bear with one another when they don't live up to the standard we have set for ourselves. We are to receive the people who are weak in the faith and not hold them to our standards. Every one has their opinion of what the Bible says is the way to live but basically it tells us it is not our business what another Christian does or doesn't do. It all goes back to our heart. If we are seeking God with all our heart he will be faithful to clean us up and we will have love for others who see things differently. One day we will all stand before God and give an account for our lives. He knows everything we do. What we are suppose to do instead is to make sure we are not making our brother stumble by our strict rules or our freedom.
How do you know if something is wrong? You have been given a conscience and it guides you. For a practicing Jew he would never eat leaven on Passover or it would hurt his conscience. But for most Christians not eating leaven on Passover doesn't enter their mind or conscience. So it is not a sin to them. If you are eating with a practicing Jew on Passover it would be hurtful for you to eat leaven in his presence. Love should always trump our decisions.
It all boils down to the kingdom of God not being what you do or don't do but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. So our convictions should bring peace and edify others. If our brother is bound up in legalism it is best if we keep our freedom to ourselves. If you indulge is something that others think is a sin and aren't completely convinced in your own heart that it is acceptable to God you will be judged against because you were not able to do it in faith.
Lord, help us to be sensitive to others weak or strong and not lay heavy burdens on them that they are not able to carry. Instead may we be peacemakers and life givers.