Rather Than Cutting Others Out, Enlighten Them!

This is our B moment. Our moment to be still…to be fed by the Word of God…to be grateful.

Scripture reference: Romans 14:1-2 (ESV)

Today, I am thinking about how we can cut off people with ill intentions.

Earlier this week I talked about how Jesus fed the 5,000 and how, the following morning, many of those same people came back to be fed by Jesus again. Initially, they couldn’t find him, but when they did, he had an interesting message.

Jesus told them that the only reason they wanted to be with him was because he fed them—not because of who he was. He told them that they shouldn’t be so concerned about perishable things like food, but should instead spend their energy seeking eternal life through God.

I thought this was very interesting because sometimes the moment we sense a person’s intentions are not pure, our first inclination is to cut them off, or to distance ourselves from them. For instance, we may know that a person is just in our company for what we have or what they think we can do for them, so we try to avoid that person.

However, Jesus teaches us not to be so quick to release these people. Even though Jesus knew why they showed up in great numbers the next day (likely to be fed like he had fed them the day before), Jesus’ purpose was to teach them about eternal bread. He was able to rise above their shortsightedness and ill intentions to fulfill God’s assignment. Jesus actually ended up helping those people understand God’s glory, despite their initial ill intentions.

The next time we’re inclined to cut a person loose, let us be reminded of these words: “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions…It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” Romans 14:1-4 (ESV)

Please share this reflection as others desire to be inspired.

So today, let’s make sure God gets the glory before we sever ties with another.