We are called to connect, not correct
by Jane Mueller
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Welcome those who are weak in faith but not for the purpose of quarrelling over opinions (Romans 14:1).
Read Romans 14:1–12
We often long for unity in our churches but frequently mistake unity for uniformity. We assume that if everyone believed the same things, behaved the same way, or worshipped with the same preferences, harmony would follow. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking our way is the most faithful way. But Paul offers a different vision in his letter to the Romans: true Christian community isn’t built on conformity. It’s built on love.
The early church wrestled with differences: what to eat, what days to honour, how to live faithfully. Paul didn’t demand that everyone agree. Instead, he called them to welcome one another, to resist the urge to pass judgement and to trust that each person was seeking to honour God.
We don’t need to fix each other. That’s not our job. We’re not called to be the conscience for someone else’s journey. We’re called to walk alongside, to love generously and to create space for God to work in hearts that aren’t ours.
When we welcome others – truly welcome them with grace rather than suspicion – we embody the heart of Christ. And when we stop trying to correct and start trying to connect, the church becomes a place of belonging, not just belief.
Each of us stands before the Lord. He alone is the judge. Our calling is not to decide who is right, but to decide to love.
Gracious God, thank you for welcoming me with open arms. Help me to let go of judgement, resist the need to fix and build community not on sameness, but on grace. Amen.
Jane is a former Lutheran school principal and now serves as Governance Leadership Director for Lutheran Education SA, NT & WA. Jane has a keen interest in psychology, enjoys hiking and loves learning about and trying new things.
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