Complain, Criticize, or Argue Much?

It was his first time.

Pope Clement was ready.

He was handed a cup of coffee.

The others held their breath in anticipation and fear.

He tasted it.

He liked it.

He said would deny the request to ban coffee.

Pope Clement VIII, in the 16th century, applied this widsom to the situation —

Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do.

And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department.

Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.

For instance, a person who has been around for a while might well be convinced that he can eat anything on the table, while another, with a different background, might assume he should only be a vegetarian and eat accordingly.

But since both are guests at Christ’s table, wouldn’t it be terribly rude if they fell to criticizing what the other ate or didn’t eat? God, after all, invited them both to the table. Do you have any business crossing people off the guest list or interfering with God’s welcome?

If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle that without your help.

— Such great wisdom and advice!

Should be good…it’s Romans 14:1-4.

And to rip a verse waaaaay out of context: Go and do likewise. (—Christ Jesus, Luke 10:37)