"'It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.'" Acts 15:19.
James, the brother of Jesus, was addressing the council gathered at Jerusalem concerning the Gentiles who were coming to know Jesus and putting their faith in Him. The council had heard both sides of the argument concerning whether the Gentiles needed to come under the Law of Moses. They also heard the compelling testimony of Paul's work among the Gentiles. At the conclusion of the meetings, James stated the opinion of the apostles: it should not be made difficult for the Gentiles to turn to God. In other words, they were not to be subjected to the Law of the Jews, and specifically to circumcision.
I find it interesting that we, as people, tend to put "laws" on each other. I know that on occasion I do this. I'll say something like, "If this person really loved Jesus, they should...read their Bible, pray more, spend more time in Christian fellowship (or some other "requirement"). Not that any of these things are bad. In fact, these disciplines are very helpful in our journey with God. I get in trouble when, like the Jewish believers at this early council meeting, I require something other than the central focus - putting my faith in Jesus.
Questions to consider: What "requirements" or "Laws" have you projected onto others around you? When have you done this to others? How do you “not make it difficult” for those around you?
Prayer: Father, please help me to not make it difficult for others to come into a relationship with You. Help me to love and to accept those around me, allowing You to do Your work in their heart. Amen.
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Bill I hear you. There have been times when I have thought that if people just read the bible more, they would not have the problems that they do. That is the Mr. Fixit in me talking. It is also probably due to my late start in reading the bible. I really only began reading the bible regularly back in 1998. I have learned do much from reading and re-reading it and often could not understand why others do not. Everyone learns in their own way. Now I just try to tell people how much reading the bible has done for me and let the Holy Spirit work his will in them.
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