B+BðBðB
Back in our Hutchinson Women’s Discipleship Bible studies, we always started each new study reviewing the quote:
In recent weeks in sermons on Romans 14 given
by my pastor that quote has come to mind frequently as we have been challenged
to “keep the main thing the main thing.”
Obviously, most of this is directed toward our faith walk, but some of
the initial reminders came as the elections neared. The church has devoted people whose political
persuasions are completely opposite.
Pastor John urged his congregation not to let that come in the way of
fellowship.
Then as we
got back into Romans after the holiday season, he introduced the B+BðBðB (or B+B=B+B) to challenge our thinking
even more when we are tempted to judge another person. It challenges to understanding and
patience. Background and Baggage yield
Beliefs which determine Behavior. Whenever we are trying to share something of
importance with another, we must realize that before they can change their
beliefs they must re-frame those things which they carry from their background
and baggage.
One easy
example in the Christian realm is the one who came from a family in which the
father was domineering or even abusive has trouble relating to God’s grace and
mercy. The one who was constantly
criticized has trouble seeing their value in God’s eyes. The implications carry into the world of
school and work as well.
The call of
the Romans passage is in essence to cut people some slack.
Offer grace in differences, not condemnation. Backgrounds may be similar, but we know from
looking at families that even the same household with the same parents does not
afford a duplicate background for each child.
Add to that the baggage of our various experiences and we see that charity is needed at some point by all.
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