“Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions.” Romans 14:1
For Christians, this piece of scripture is very important to pay attention, when one is trying to explain and show just what the faith of Jesus Christ is all about and why it is important. One needs to be inviting not confrontational, to be open and not closed. And above all else just be their selves (if they are truly Christians this is a very good thing). But this advice from Romans 14:1 need not be for just Christians, and for just bringing those into Christianity but for all peoples and in all situations.
In all matters of life, rather it is trying to sell a product to a customer, explaining one’ s point of view on a particular political issue, or just having a discussion about any number of things; the world would be such a better place if they remembered to be open and inviting to all peoples and all views all the time. That is not some of the time, but all of the time.
When encountering different viewpoints to one’s own, it is important that not only do we listen with one ear but both. What I mean by that, is not just putting up with the other person for the moment and then when leaving the room to throw out what he/she said in the trash (in one ear out the other). When this is done, we are not respecting the other person or his/her ideas.
Christian teachings are not just about the Christian faith; though that is important, they offer life lessons on how to behave and interact with one’s fellow human beings and being a Christian is not necessary to take them to heart and live by them (but it helps). One only needs to look at the United States and much of Europe and the rest of the “Western World” to see this is true. Most of the whole of the “Western World” has a long, deep-rooted Christian Tradition, yet is increasingly secular or not religious at all. Yet, the values that this part of the world holds dear such as basic human rights and treating every human being with decency and respect to just name a few can be traced back to Christian teachings.
So remember, regardless if you are a Christian or not, do not be confrontational with others, but be open to them and they hopefully will do the same to you. Despite what you may think it is not all about you, but God and all human beings.
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