One man esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. Romans 14:5
Our conscience is particular to us. It marks a boundary that we own. It delineates us from others. We risk standing alone, unpopular and ostracized.
Therefore, who can go against their conscience without a struggle? It is not an easy feat.
Here we have two groups in the world today. One that go willingly and the other very hesitant. Who is wrong? Who is right?
At present, I say neither is wrong or right. These are two groups who have sincerely made a choice. But there is a big concern.
The willing believe they are right because they are saving themselves and others, which by default insinuate that the other group is not as caring.
The unwilling need more time to weigh the risks and benefits which by default suggest that they believe the other to have been too hasty in their decision. For them, it’s a matter of conscience.
But how should the Church respond?
We should be compassionate towards each other. The willing should understand the circumstances of the hesitant. This latter do not have the faith to go forward and anything done without faith is sin.
And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not from faith; for whatsoever is not from faith is sin. Romans 14:23
This makes it a moral issue for the hesitant and our willing brothers and sisters should be understanding and loving towards them.
In the same way, the hesitant should respect the decision of the willing and not make them feel like they made the worst decision of their lives. They had enough faith to take it. Many did it because they wanted to continue to help others.
Peter was bitten by a poisonous snake and just shook it off, (See Acts 28:3), and we also have this encouraging verse:
8They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Mark 16:18
Both groups need faith, and this faith must be locked in by love.
Everyone must be fully persuaded in their own minds. I am beginning to believe that the present ordeal is a practice for what is to come. Will we allow hate to consume us, or will we continue in love?
12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:12,13
Careful! We must not make enemies out of this, because God has called us to love everyone. Jesus loved us even while we were against him. (See Romans 5:8)
Never in our earth’s history has the global population been so polarized. Families and friends are divided. People are in danger of losing their jobs because they will not go against their conscience. We need to show compassion to everyone and focus on sharing Jesus with the world.
On a personal note, this experience has strengthened me. I have never had to stand up for what I believed in such tense circumstances. Standing our ground, no matter the consequences, will build character and prepare us for the real test. Who knows? Maybe this is God’s way of training us for what’s up ahead.
Feedasheep 