2 March 2026
“13 Therefore is a massive pivot.” With that sentence, Mark Penrith drew our eyes back to the weight of eternity. He reminded us that each of us will stand before Christ. Then he pressed the point home, “The verdict is in. Stop judging and start loving by limiting liberty.” Paul writes, “Therefore, let us no longer judge one another. Instead decide never to put a stumbling block or pitfall in the way of your brother or sister” Romans 14:13. The judgment seat humbles us. It silences our criticism. It turns the spotlight inward.
Rome’s church was divided. Mark said, “Rome’s church was divided. Jewish believers returned to Rome to find Gentile believers leading.” Into that tension Paul commands, “stop judging one another. And start judging yourself.” This is not sentimental advice. It is a decision. Paul says, “decide never to put a stumbling block” in your brother’s way. Love does not wait for feelings. Love resolves. Love determines. Love places a barrier around personal freedom so that it does not become a weapon.
Paul is clear about liberty. “I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself” Romans 14:14. Mark said, “Liberty is real. But reality is relational.” You may be free. You may be right. But if “your brother or sister is hurt by what you eat, you are no longer walking according to love” Romans 14:15. He warned us, “Don’t use your freedom in Christ as a weapon against the cross of Christ.” Christ died for that brother. That sister. We must not wound those He purchased.
So what must you do this week. Before you drink. Before you post. Before you speak. Ask one question. Will this build up or trip up. Around your dinner table ask your children, what does it mean to think about others before ourselves. Then show them. Quietly. Consistently. Because as Mark said, “Christians are freed to stop judging others and start judging ourselves.”
Lord, guard my heart from pride. Teach me to limit my liberty in love. Help me walk according to love for the sake of Christ. Amen.