Disagreeing With Fellow Christians

Christians disagree with one another on many issues.  Now there are issues that are essential to Christianity -- who Jesus is,  for example -- and if there is a difference in opinion there then we need to part ways.  But there are many other issues that are nonessential -- was Jonah swallowed by a whale or a great fish, for example -- that we are free to debate.

How should Christians go about debating one another on nonessential issues?  A great answer can be found in these words by Chuck Smith. 

"It is not easy to maintain the unity of the Spirit among us on many matters. It seems that the sovereignty of God and human responsibility are like two parallel lines that do not seem to intersect within our finite minds. God's ways are "past finding out" (Romans 11:33), and the Bible warns us to "lean not unto thy own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5).

To say what God says in the Bible - no more and no less - is not always easy, comfortable, or completely understandable. But Scripture tells us that the wisdom from above will be loving and kind toward all, seeking the unity of the believers, not trying to find ways to divide and separate from one another. May God help us all to love each other, to be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as Jesus Christ has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32)!

In difficult doctrinal matters, may we have gracious attitudes and humble hearts, desiring most of all to please Him who has called us to serve Him in the body of Christ. Discussion - YES! Disagreements - YES! Division - NO!

Jesus said, "By their fruit ye shall know them." When a particular position on the Scriptures causes one to become argumentative, legalistic, and divisive, I question the validity of that position. I seek to embrace those things that tend to make me more loving and kind, more forgiving and merciful. I know then that I am becoming more like my Lord.

If you have come to a strong personal conviction on one side of a doctrinal issue, please grant us the privilege of first seeing how it has helped you to become more Christ-like in your nature, and then we will judge whether we need to come to that same persuasion. Let us always be certain to look at the fruit of the teaching.

Seek those things that produce the loving nature of Jesus in our lives. I would rather have the wrong facts and a right attitude, than right facts and a wrong attitude. God can change my understanding of the facts in a moment, but it often takes a lifetime to effect changes of attitude."

Do you see what Chuck is saying?  He's saying that none of us are perfect. None of us hold perfect doctrinal positions. But we have common ground in Christ and should treat each other with love and respect.

Christianity is about Christ and our doctrines should draw us closer to Him.  The positions we hold, if they are correct, should make us more Christ-like. If they are that will be the greatest proof that our position is correct.