FROM THE DAWGHOUSE…
When Good Christians Disagree
Spend enough time in any Bible-believing church, and you’ll discover something encouraging: Christians who deeply love Jesus don’t always agree on everything.
That shouldn’t surprise us.
Some of the most faithful believers throughout church history have differed on subjects such as baptism, church government, spiritual gifts, the Lord’s Supper, the timing of Christ’s return, and worship styles. These are not unimportant issues. They deserve careful study because God’s Word deserves our careful attention.
But how should Christians handle those disagreements?
The answer begins with humility.
In Philippians 2, Paul urges believers to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Before we ever defend our position, we are called to display the character of Christ.
Romans 14 provides another essential principle. Paul addresses believers who held different convictions on disputable matters. Instead of demanding uniformity, he calls them to stop passing judgment on one another and to pursue what leads to peace and mutual edification.
Notice what Paul doesn’t say…
He doesn’t tell them that doctrine doesn’t matter.
He doesn’t encourage them to ignore their convictions, and
He certainly doesn’t suggest that truth is relative.
Instead, he teaches believers to hold their convictions with both confidence and charity. That’s a lesson the church still needs today.
If you become convinced from Scripture that believer’s baptism is biblical, you should follow that conviction. If your study leads you to a particular understanding of church leadership or the Lord’s Supper, live consistently with what you believe God’s Word teaches. If your convictions about worship, spiritual gifts, or the church’s philosophy of ministry lead you to join one faithful church rather than another, that’s a legitimate decision.
Convictions matter.
But so does humility.
Too often, we treat fellow believers as opponents rather than brothers and sisters in Christ. We assume that disagreement must mean compromise or that someone who reaches a different conclusion must love the Bible less than we do.
Neither assumption is fair.
Many of the greatest Christian leaders throughout history have disagreed on secondary doctrines while standing shoulder to shoulder on the gospel, as outlined last week. They sharpened one another, challenged one another, and, at their best, demonstrated that truth and love belong together.
Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4 to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Unity doesn’t require identical opinions on every secondary doctrine. It requires a shared commitment to Christ, His gospel, and His Word.
So, study diligently. Read the Scriptures carefully. Develop biblical convictions. Ask hard questions. Engage in thoughtful conversations with other believers.
But don’t confuse conviction with combat.
When faithful Christians disagree over secondary doctrines, our goal isn’t to win an argument. Our goal is to grow together in our understanding of God’s Word while treating one another with the same grace Christ has shown us.
The watching world rarely notices when Christians agree on every detail. But it does notice when believers who disagree treat one another with humility, respect, and genuine love.
That kind of unity doesn’t weaken the church.
It displays the gospel.
Joe Bouch
