Growing in grace

"Let us not judge." Romans 14:13

A close second to comparing is controlling. Often controllers are steeped in "religiosity." Their modus operandi is manipulation, hints and veiled threats. They're not big on grace because they "think (they) know it all" (Ro 12:16). Do you see any of these traits in yourself? Think how much happier you'd be if you weren't trying to control people and outcomes. Dennis Leonard writes, "Give your loved ones the diginity of making their own mistakes and learning from them. If you're always getting into someone else's business, you're not only going to burn out, you're hindering God from working in their lives...They belong to Him not you!"
Dealing with controversy over Jewish food laws, Paul writes, "Those who feel free to eat must not look down on those who don't. And those who don't...must not condemn those who do, for God has accepted them" (Ro 14:3). Because you don't feel at liberty to do something, don't condemn those who do. Having strong opinions doesn't sanction you to impose them on others. Even good things can be abused. William Barclay talks about "making a tyranny of the Sabbath, surrounding it with a jungle of rules, regulations and prohibitions." Ask yourself if you attitude is likely to cause peace of strife. Growing in grace means building "each other up" (Ro 14:19), not flaunting your liberty before those who don't share your convictions. Paul says, "Let each (man) be fully convinced in his own mind" (Ro 14:6). There are times when you need to humbly and prayerfully "press on, regardless."