The apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans first of all what the conscience and conduct of every Christian who has Jesus as an example to follow and imitate should be.
Those spiritually transformed by Christ to a new life should not judge others negatively, Paul explained, but rather judge with the mercy (compassion, kindness, gentleness) necessary to allow for correction and spiritual growth. Because if Christians judge in an inflexible and merciless way, typical of those who live according to the flesh and who do not know the wisdom of God, they risk being judged in the same way. Having a conscience directed towards what is the most pure and perfect, and open to the fear of God (constancy, firmness, devotion) is the key to life in the grace of God. The flesh and the spirit are before the conscience of every Christian, and whoever wishes to receive the spiritual gift of eternal life must know how to choose intelligently, Paul emphasized in his teachings.
This is why Paul, with wise words, warned that those who live according to the spirit should not live by meddling in the lives of others:
"You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. It is written:
´As surely as I live,´ says the Lord,
every knee will bow before me;
every tongue will acknowledge God.´
So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God" Romans 14:10-12.
And so Paul concluded his reasoning by teaching a form of the Silver Rule:
"Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister" Romans 14:13.
Imitating and emulating Christ, the Christian's behavior, ultimately means doing our best to help others and to help ourselves.
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