Doctrinal disagreement is an unavoidable aspect of Christian life on this side of heaven. If you spend any amount of time with other believers some debated confessional element will inevitably arise; if you are not careful, it may become a ‘root of bitterness springing up’ and defiling many (Heb. 12:15).
So how should Christians handle doctrinal or practical disagreements? How can we avoid sinning against the body while working through these situations?
Mercifully, the Lord provides commandments for us so that we can resolve disagreements—or live peacefully if no resolution is found.
First, we can ensure that we do not have LIYE syndrome (Log-In-Your-Eye syndrome, cf. Matt. 7:1-5). LIYE syndrome occurs when a fault-finder rebukes another while the fault-finder has the exact same fault on a massive scale in his own life. If we charge others with being illogical or ungracious, we must ask whether our own reasoning is sound and if our attitude is gracious. If we charge others with being unbiblical, can we provide context-consistent verses to support our position? The problem in Matthew 7:1-5 is not with judgment, but with hypocritical judgment. Clearly, the authors of Scripture expected us to judge others in some ways (1 Cor. 5:9-13), though always with a loving purpose (1 Cor. 5:1-5).
Second, when we do correct others in matters of life or doctrine, it should always be done with gentleness and great patience (2 Tim. 2:25, 2 Tim. 4:2) and not with a harsh, judgmental attitude. Remember, when you disagree with someone, they believe they are correcting you as well. Harsh words will probably stir up anger (Prov. 15:1). Within the context of the Christian church, whether you are an elder or leader in the church (like Timothy) or a congregant, your attitude should be kind and gracious as you work toward a resolution.
Third, having gentleness and patience does not entail entering every debate. There are issues that should be avoided because they are not profitable, such as issues of speculation (1 Tim. 1:4, 2 Tim. 2:23). Sometimes it will be necessary to take hard stands against false doctrine (e.g. 1 Tim. 6:3-5, or the letter to the Galatians). In everything, our desire should be to see the doctrines of the Word of God more clearly, so only disagreements revolving around the Bible should be entertained. This will sound unnecessarily restrictive to some, but it includes a massive array of doctrines and all the connected truths. The Bible is also the authority for solving these debates. Matters about which the Word of God is silent should be left well enough alone.
Finally, we must be thoughtful Christians. We all stumble in many ways (James 3:2). No one alive today has totally perfect theology—error pervades all of our thinking to one degree or another. If everyone disagrees, though, does that mean there are many, exclusive truths? No, there is one, unified body of truth that exists in Christ Jesus (John 14:6, Eph. 4:21). Even though good and godly teachers disagree about issues, some of them are wrong and some are right. Who is right or wrong must be determined by the Word, but even those who are right in some matter will be wrong in other matters (though they are not wrong intentionally, of course). It is inevitable while we life in a fallen world. This should not cause us to despair, but to be humble and to diligently continue in His Word (John 8:31-32).
Gracious, Christian love is the final ethic for Christians in the midst of dispute. No one is privileged with a comprehensive grasp of all truth—but every true Christian knows some. Until the days of our dwelling in heaven we must trust the Lord, abide in His Word, and serve His body with love.
May He grant us peace in the meantime!
--Dean of Admissions
“By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Jesus of Nazareth, John 13:35
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