Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgement on his opinions.
Paul wrote this letter to the Christian Church in Rome during a time when there was disagreement among Jews and Gentiles regarding rules, rituals and food. He asked Christians not to criticize or mock others, but to love them and respect them as children of God.
Pastor Sarah told us that this passage is a message for us today, here in Southampton, for our country and for the world. We are living in a time of division and differing opinions. We are separating ourselves into "tribes" and openly criticizing opinions of others. We judge them when we see things differently and deny them as God's children. She asked that we look into our own behaviors and refrain from judging or mocking others. We are reminded of Jesus' commandment to love our neighbors with all of our heart. He died for us all.
Her message comes from Paul's words: "For we don't live for ourselves or die for ourselves. If we live, it's to honor the Lord. And if it's to die, it's to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this purpose - to be Lord both of the living and of the dead.
Amen