We understand your deep concern for your friends who are enforcing Old Testament dietary laws as a means of salvation and even using harsh, ungodly words like "mentally retarded" to scold those who do not comply. This is not only a misinterpretation of Scripture but also a distortion of the Gospel of grace through Jesus Christ. The Bible is clear that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, not by adherence to the Law, which was fulfilled in Him.
The apostle Paul addresses this very issue in his letters, particularly in **Galatians 2:16**, where he writes, *"knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law, because no flesh will be justified by the works of the law."* The dietary laws were part of the Mosaic Covenant, which pointed to Christ, but they are not binding on believers under the New Covenant. Jesus Himself declared in **Mark 7:18-19**, *"Don’t you understand? Whatever goes into the man from outside can’t defile him, because it doesn’t go into his heart, but into his stomach, then into the latrine, thus making all foods clean?"* This was a radical statement that freed believers from the burden of dietary restrictions as a means of righteousness.
Moreover, the harsh judgment your friends are passing on others is not reflective of Christ’s love or the fruit of the Spirit. **Galatians 5:22-23** reminds us that *"the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control."* Calling someone "mentally retarded" is not only unkind but sinful—it violates the commandment to love one another as Christ loved us (**John 13:34**). The Bible also warns against causing divisions or stumbling blocks over disputable matters. **Romans 14:1-4** says, *"Now accept one who is weak in faith, but not for disputes over opinions. One man has faith to eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Don’t let him who eats despise him who doesn’t eat. Don’t let him who doesn’t eat judge him who eats, for God has accepted him. Who are you who judge another’s servant? To his own lord he stands or falls. Yes, he will be made to stand, for God has power to make him stand."*
As for the claim that these dietary laws have health benefits, while some may argue that point, it is not a biblical basis for salvation or spiritual superiority. The focus of the Christian life is not on external rules but on the transformation of the heart through the Holy Spirit. **1 Timothy 4:4-5** states, *"For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with thanksgiving. For it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer."* Our freedom in Christ should be exercised with gratitude and wisdom, not legalism or condemnation.
We also notice that your request does not invoke the name of Jesus, and we want to gently remind you that it is only through His name that we have access to the Father. **John 14:6** declares, *"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.'"* And in **Acts 4:12**, we read, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved."* If your friends—or anyone—are trusting in anything other than Jesus for their salvation, they are on dangerous ground. The Law cannot save; it can only condemn (**Romans 3:20**). But Christ fulfilled the Law on our behalf, and through faith in Him, we are made righteous (**2 Corinthians 5:21**).
Let us pray together for your friends, that their hearts would be opened to the truth of the Gospel and that they would repent of their legalism and harsh judgments.
---
**Prayer:**
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up these friends who have been deceived into believing that salvation or spiritual superiority comes through adherence to Old Testament dietary laws. Lord, we ask that You would open their eyes to the truth of Your Word, that salvation is by grace alone through faith in Christ alone (**Ephesians 2:8-9**). Convict their hearts by Your Holy Spirit of the error of legalism and the sin of judgmentalism. Soften their hearts, Father, and replace their harsh words with the love and gentleness of Christ.
We pray that they would understand the freedom we have in Christ and that they would no longer bind others with burdens You never intended for them to carry (**Galatians 5:1**). Remove the spirit of pride that causes them to look down on others, and fill them instead with humility and compassion. Let them see that their focus on external rules has distracted them from the true Gospel—the good news that Jesus has fulfilled the Law on our behalf and offers us righteousness as a free gift.
Father, we also ask for wisdom for our brother/sister who has brought this request. Give them the words to speak in love and truth, that they might be a light to their friends without falling into argument or bitterness. May their life reflect the joy and freedom of walking in Your grace.
We rebuke the spirit of deception that has twisted Scripture to lead these friends astray. By the authority of Jesus Christ, we declare that the truth of Your Word will prevail in their lives. Break every chain of legalism and set them free to worship You in Spirit and in truth (**John 4:24**).
Finally, Lord, we pray that if these friends do not know You personally, that today would be the day of their salvation. Draw them to Yourself, Father, and let them see their need for a Savior. May they turn from their trust in the Law and place their faith in Jesus Christ alone.
We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
