1. Accept others without passing judgment (1-8)

Christians are different. We come from different cultural backgrounds. We must love and accept one another as Christ loved and accepted us. Gospel truth cannot be compromised, but there are some disputable matters about which we can agree to disagree. We should not judge others or argue about whether to eat meat or which day to keep holy or how baptism should be administered, etc.. We must live before God, for we belong to him.

2. We will stand before God's judgment seat (9-12)

Christ died and returned to life so that he might be

the Lord of all. He alone is the judge (Jn 5:26-27). Each of us must examine himself or herself and be prepared to give an account of our lives before God. We do not need to make comparisons or judge others. We must acknowledge the Lordship of Christ, do what pleases him, and be prepared to stand before the judgment seat of God.

Application: Lord, help me to be strict with myself and generous with others. Help me to live before you.
One Word: Whether I live or die, I am the Lord's