There are some topics, like pro-life vs pro-choice, evolution vs creation etc. that came up this week. In order to act in gentleness and love towards all, we must prayerfully navigate through these waters and also respect that not all people in the room hold the same view of these things. Understanding the position of the leadership of the church is also an essential part of this equation, so we must at all times strive to remain in a spirit of unity and brotherly love.

If these come up in the group meeting time again, I will be encouraging people to post here. The goal is not to avoid or silence anyone who is passionate or to deny that scripture has much to say on these things, but to provide a more appropriate forum for discussion. We are all doing the best we can with the information we have. There is a reason why some of these topics have such a huge capacity to offend or stir up overwhelming emotions in some.     

A verse to consider.    Absolutely there is a time and a place to seek out unity on a matter especially when we are personally convinced of it’s biblical mandate.  When, how and to whom we present are all essential considerations.

2 Timothy 2:24-26 Amplified Bible (AMP)

²⁴ The servant of the Lord must not participate in quarrels, but must be kind to everyone [even-tempered, preserving peace, and he must be], skilled in teaching, patient and tolerant when wronged. ²⁵ He must correct those who are in opposition with courtesy and gentleness in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and be led to the knowledge of the truth [accurately understanding and welcoming it], ²⁶ and that they may come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

Philippians 2:3

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.

Our goal is to encourage everyone to study the Word for themselves and to, over time, as the Lord leads, let Him be Lord of every area of our lives. This is a lifelong process that is unique to each person. The things that one person may have studied in depth and are passionate about may never reach the top of another person’s pile. God is working on each of us in different areas and in different ways so there is really no room for comparison.

I cannot strongly encourage us enough to stay away from statements like “All Christians must/should/ought to _____________________”   when discussing areas of applied theology like the ones listed above.   

Although it is good to be passionate about things that we believe God has convicted us about, we must do all things in the context of loving relationships.   Therefore, our present knowledge and  understanding ought to always be expressed in meekness  and gentleness, and as mentioned, in the appropriate time and place – leaving room for those who don’t hold the same beliefs/understandings/convictions to, by the grace of God, and in His timing for them, increase their knowledge, grow, and learn. Each of us must remain humble at all times, leaving room for God to show us where our own knowledge and understading may be lacking.

1 Corinthians 13:2 English Standard Version (ESV) “2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”

My hope in creating this post is to