Romans 14: What Leads to Peace...

I shared this piece on Pick Your Portion this week.

I have so much to say on this whole chapter,

but I haven't been able to formulate a post. 

Let me rephrase: I haven't been able to formulate a coherent post. 

Although Paul speaks on the surface of clean and unclean food, 

His message cuts straight to the heart of something 

I've been thinking about and wrestling with for a while now: 

Stop judging everyone you see and accept those who 

God made a little different than you.

Not better or worse, just different. 

Seriously, Erin, who do you think you are?

God is telling us to do what ever it takes to accept each other and 

unite and build each other up.

Isn't that a better way to live, anyway?

I've noticed a competitive, judging, critical spirit within myself for a couple of months.

And you know what? I'm learning that it has nothing to do with the people around me, 

and everything to do with my emotional state.

When I'm stressed out or depressed, or feel horrible about myself, 

I become this mean judgmental person that I don't want to be.

I've been praying that God would open my eyes to a judging and critical spirit.

When it starts seeping in, so quietly, so that I can grab it, 

and give it over to God, and let Him 

give me eyes to see as he sees

ears to hear as he hears

and a heart to love people as he loves them.

because it's not something I can just do.

Father God,

teach us and show us and lead us what 

leads to peace and mutual edification.

Amen, sisters!