“WE EXIST TO PROCLAIM THE REIGN OF JESUS CHRIST OVER ALL THINGS; GLORIFYING AND ENJOYING GOD, NOW AND FOREVER!”

8 – “Preserving Unity When Christians Disagree”

How Shall We Then Live?

Christians don’t agree on everything. This much is obvious, but it raises two important questions: the first is how do we know when our disagreements are serious enough to merit separation? For example, in Romans 16:17 Paul writes, “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.” There were those in Rome that were causing divisions among God’s people, and that was a bad thing! But at the same time, Paul commands us to avoid such people (i.e. separate from them). Implication: sometimes it is wrong to divide, and sometimes it is right. In 2 John 10, we read, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting.” Clearly, some doctrines are so important we should separate from those who disagree. In our day of minimizing doctrine for the sake of unity we must reaffirm the fact that Biblical unity is not the result of sidelining doctrinal beliefs, but rather it is the result of agreeing on essential doctrine. The second important question is: when it comes to nonessential issues, how do we handle our disagreements in a way that honors Christ? If we aren’t careful we will despise or be judgmental of our brothers and sisters in Christ who disagree with us on nonessential matters, and it is in Romans 14:1-15:7 that Paul admonishes us to handle our disagreements in a way that honors Christ and preserves unity. This passage is a treasure-trove of practical wisdom. May God open our understanding transform us through His Word!