Paul himself was only too well aware of the potential for disunity. In fact, much of what he writes in his letters to the churches addresses the problems caused by the Christians’ disagreements about various doctrines. In this respect, Romans chapter 14 is a masterpiece regarding our approach to dealing with issues where there are differences of opinion. Here, the issue was about what was considered lawful to eat or abstain from. Paul himself knows what’s correct – namely that it’s fine now under the new covenant to eat anything – see verse 14. However, he goes on to explain in the next verse that if we insist on being ‘right’ and force others to agree to our view, then ‘you are no longer acting in love’. The verse ends with a classic bit of scripture – worth memorising this bit:: ‘Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died.’ What a fantastic bit of practical advice! So we could substitute the word ‘eating’ with whatever doctrine we have strong views about – e.g. Israel, Predestination, the Tribulation, Worship, Gifts of the Spirit etc. etc.
This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t make a stand on issues. Nor should we water down our beliefs just to avoid opposition. It’s more to do with our attitude towards others who don’t share our view. Christ has taken the ultimate step in dying on the cross for people He wants to save. Let’s not destroy that work just for the sake of making a point.
