Reflection on Romans

Here’s my reflection on Romans lessons :-

Do not Judge

In Romans 14, the subject on eating meat versus vegetarianism. Paul admonishes Christians not to pass judgment on others for eating meat or for eating only vegetables.  Passing judgment divides the church.  Paul further reminds us that we all belong to Christ and we will all stand before the judgment seat of God and to give an account of ourselves to God.  Therefore, I am reminded that my responsibility is to live a life that pleases God; not to serve ourselves, but to serve Him and the church.  Committed to live according to the Sermon on the Mount is my responsibility.   When I am faced in a hopeless situation, I should tune my attitude and commit the situation to God.  I should have faith in God’s power to change the other  "Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand" (Romans 14:4).  It is inevitably that we evaluate the deeds of other but we need to be very careful with our judgements.  We should consider our weaknesses and sins carefully before we make harsh judgments on others.  How can we condemn someone else when we may have bigger problem? 

The Power of Gospel

We have all sin and fall short of the glory of God.  Christ came to redeem us.  He is presented as a sacrifice of atonement and we are justified by his grace through faith.  Paul says that we are powerless to change.  Indeed, when I was a young believer and I sin against God,  I tried to deal with my weakness using my strength.  I tried to make it right and when I felt less guilty, I would then go back to God.  However, I forgot that I am powerless to change except the power of the gospel.  When we sin, we should first go to God and allow God to deal with our weakness because the Gospel has the power to transform sin.  God has shown his willingness to forgive all who put their faith in Christ.  Therefore, having been justified by faith, I cannot boast my work but the mercy of God in my live. 

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Nothing Can Separate Us From the Love of God

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?   We shared about the love of God and we pondered whether Romans 8:35 - 39 refers to our love for Christ or Christ love for us that is inseparable .   I knew that God’s love for us is consistent for He is everlasting God; He never change.  It is easy to show love and affections to God when things are bright and smooth.  However, our love for Christ cannot be always consistent.  It may compromise when we are in suffering, in hardship and perhaps in persecution.  I take heart that nothing can separate us from the love of God.  Though God does not spare us from calamities in this life,  He promise that His presence and love will always be with us.  Paul also says that that the "sword" will not separate us from the love of Christ; he meant that even if we are killed we are not separated from the love of Christ.

Submission to the Authorities                 

I learnt through discussion that submission is an act of denial to self – our rights and submitting is done out of respect for God – not because the authority was great or right or the person is a better man or woman.  In fact, it has nothing to do with the character of the person in authority.  It does not matter whether or not I feel what the person is doing is unjust.  Just as Christ submitted to God; He has set a good example for me to follow.  I can submit to my authority though my emotion say otherwise.  When we do the right thing, our emotion will catch up later.   

Reflection on Hospitality

Many years ago I was having chicken rice at a hawker centre.  I paused from eating and a man came over to my table.  He thought that I had completed my meal and asked if he could have the rest of my rice and chicken.  My plate was messy and I was not used to giving food that I had eaten to others.   I told him I would get him a meal.  I remembered someone taught me about giving my best gift to someone as though I’m the receiver. As a receiver, we always wanted to receive the best gift.  I think the best part of a chicken is drum stick so I bought for the stranger.  It did not cost me much.  But I had this satisfying and happy feeling that I had helped someone in need. 

 

Make Room in our Hearts

I am now distracted and occupied by the busyness and demand of live that I missed seeing the needy one.  I learnt that showing hospitality is reciprocate of God’s love to us.  It is a way of life we need to live out.  It’s a duty we need to do.  Hospitality can be cultivated over a life-time if we make room in our heart.  Hearts can be enlarged by praying that God will give us eyes to see the opportunities around us, and by putting ourselves in places where we are likely to encounter strangers in need of welcome.  We are not excused from showing hospitality with our limited resources or space to host a stranger.  I pray that my heart will be open to people to connect and share whatever I could provide.  Be it a prayer, a warm smile or comfort to the discouraged one. 

 

Shared Meal

I enjoy eating alone during work.  I have the flexibility to lunch at any time so this give me an excuse to eat alone as I usually avoid lunch crowd.  I also struggle with the idea that my colleague will find me bore as a quiet companion.  I have to think of possible conversation during meal as I think it is rude to be silent when sharing a meal.  I have the freedom to make choices as where to eat and what to eat.  I am now convicted that I should not eat alone too often. I should have shared meal with others for eating is for sanity to promote physical, social and emotion healthy.  When I eat with someone, it will reduce social isolation and improve physical mental health. 

 

Present in Body But Absent In Spirit

I stay with my parents and though we stay under the same roof, I think I have often neglected their basic need - to engage in a conversation or meal with undivided attention. When I dine with them, I am always occupied and preoccupied with something or playing with my hand phone.  I have no room for them.   I am present physically in body but absent in spirit.   I am sure they feel insignificant.  Sometime when they talked to me, I really don’t know what they are saying.   Through this lesson, I am convinced that I should make space for them.  Last week, I had lunch with my mum.  I deliberately left my hand phone at home.  It was a good meal as I talked and responded to my mum.  I also noticed new changes in the food court which I have missed out. 

 Making a habit of hospitality must be deliberate and intentionally.  It brings a life rich with opportunities to grow and develop.  It gives us a sense of satisfaction and purpose.  When we exercise hospitality as commanded by God, we expand our abilities and deepen our wisdom.  I am convicted to deliberately express hospitality in Christian community and to other group of people.