Read Romans 14:13–23

Let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.

Romans 14:13

When a child comes into a home, everything has to change. Mother and Father are careful not to leave the scissors on the chair or anything dangerous within reach. But as the child matures, it is possible for the parents to deal with the youngster in a more adult fashion.

Young Christians need the kind of fellowship that will protect them and encourage them to grow. But they cannot be treated like babies all their lives. The older Christians must exercise love and patience and be careful not to cause them to stumble. However, the younger Christians must “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). To gear the ministry of a local church only to the “baby Christians” is to hinder their growth as well as the ministry of the more mature saints. The weak must learn from the strong, and the strong must love the weak. The result will be peace and maturity to the glory of God.

Something to Ponder

Are you more or less mature than the others in the programs you’re involved with? What does this tell you about your role in each of those programs?