We all have opinions, right?

At least that is my opinion.

Opinions are natural.  We think a certain way.  We have experiences that shape our view of things.  We make decisions based on what we think.

At the same time, we do not know everything, we can be wrong, and we think that others are wrong if they disagree with us.  That can be dangerous.

If you are not sure that it is an issue, consider some of the people in your life.  I am sure that you know some people who are consistently critical or negative.  They have opinions about everything, and they are not afraid to share them (often in a way that belittles whoever does not meet their standards).

Now consider how you (and others) feel and deal with them.  We want to be careful around them so that they do not single us out.  We want to avoid them if we know they will not agree with us.  We want to steer clear of them if we do not want to hear their negativity.  And others seem to have the same feelings toward those who are perpetually negative.

Paul had to often deal with this.  For example, many people had strong opinions about the kinds of food one should eat and the place where one purchased their food.  Those things hold no bearing on whether or not someone is saved or right with God, but many people acted as if they did.  That is why Paul stated in Romans 14:22, “Whatever you believe about these things, keep between yourself and God.  Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.”

If only more of us would do this today.  Would it not be wonderful if we did not look for things to raise our anger?  Would it not be wonderful if we did not turn our noses up at others?  Would it not be wonderful if we looked for ways to help one another instead of cutting each other down?

Paul came to this same point when he also wrote (in Romans 14:19), “So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another.”

I challenge you not to be the kind of person that others want to avoid.  Be the kind of person that others want to be around because you build them up, and you do not tear them down.

Lisa Hughes wrote a great book that helps us recognize more about this. Check it out by clicking the picture below…