Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:7 (NIV)
Mary’s dinner selection doesn’t matter, but her fearfulness does. It would be a good thing if Mary could see that her freedom in Christ was greater than she had realized.
It is a very good thing when a weak conscience becomes strong, when a person who has been bound by rules and traditions enters into the freedom of the gospel.
Can a weak conscience ever become strong? And if so, how does that happen? There are three ingredients that can make a weak conscience strong: A good conscience is powered by the Holy Spirit, set by the Word of God, and cleansed by the blood of Christ.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you. Where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. “Lord, set me free from the spirit of fear.” Study what the Bible has to say about Christian freedom. Today can be a new beginning for you. Read the book of Galatians and look at everything it has to say about your freedom in Christ.
Remember that you are cleansed by the blood of Christ, not by your own scruples. The more clearly you grasp the gospel, the more fully you will enter into the joy of God-honoring freedom.
Is there a next step that might help you to enter more fully into the joy of God-honoring freedom? What would that be for you?
