Confidence and arrogance seem so close sometimes. The person with a higher degree may have confidence in their learnedness, or they may be arrogant, thinking that their degree gives them the edge over others. The same could be said for knowledge in any field, or a fit body, or even closeness with God. Sometimes it is hard to maintain confidence without arrogance.

Arrogance often comes out in an attitude that is express in word or action. It is the look of disapproval or the words of criticism.

Romans 14:1 (NIV84) Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.

"Passing judgment" in the Greek really means; don't get into an argument over a difference of opinion. Contextually it is talking about matters that are up to each individual person to decide. What day you worship, what you eat and what you drink are discussed here, but we could include a list of things from TV and movies to clothes and everything in between. The Word says to accept him or her. Welcome them. Love on the (Rom. 12). This isn't to say that you can't talk about something, but don't dispute over it.

Romans 14:10 (NIV84) — 10 You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.

The argument continues that Christ died for them. Why judge? Why despise? Why criticize? Why give an attitude? Why talk behind their back? Why even talk to them in their face? The answer to me is pretty clear, we think we are God and sit in the judgment seat. Ouch! We have all done it. Our confidence in our living has slid over to arrogance. Who are we to judge? If someone says let's get drunk and have an orgy, judge away! Stand and say that is wrong and evil and will only end in death. But if someone is watching a movie you wouldn't or drinking something you wouldn't, well, that is what we are talking about here. People aren't going to like this, but I think we should leave that up to God.

May I offer two more thoughts? True discipleship is a place where these "disputable" or "non-essential" things are discussed. Maybe we should consider loving that person so much that we would disciple them and not mention that "thing" that bugs you for at least two months. Number two, love God and love one another. If it isn't love, don't do it or say it. 

Acts 26:14 (NIV84) — 14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

Who was Saul persecuting? How can that be? Jesus was and is in heaven - right? As if coming from the mouth of a confused person, "yes and no".

Jesus did ascend and resides in heaven, however the Spirit of Jesus, the Spirit of God resides in us, his disciples, here on the earth. There is more to that picture, but let's look at the question of Jesus. "Saul, why do you persecute me?" To persecute is to harass or to systematically harass. How was Paul doing this? It was Stephen who was martyred and many others dragged into prison. You see where this is going.

Jesus said, if you give a cup of water to someone in my name, you have given it to me. So that would mean that if we harass someone, speak ill of someone, without love reprove someone, we are doing it to Jesus. After all, Jesus didn't drink the water, the person did. This would strictly apply to believers, however the image of God is in everybody.

Paul in the last few chapters has been beaten and almost killed several times precisely because of what He believed. The Jews are trying their best to silence the voice that is disagreeable to their own by killing him. We may not physically kill, but how about our words? What are they designed to do, bless or cure, encourage or defame?

It is so easy to criticize. So easy to disagree without grace. In a world that is full of harassment let's all rise above it. Let's resist harassing anyone - which is no easy task. Some are so easy to harass! But you can do it. You were made to love.