Did you see part 1?
Overcoming the hostility and conflict among Christians on the internet is our responsibility.
How then can we, the body of Christ, reject destructive division?
Focus on the essentials and have the humility to accept that we may be wrong about our conviction on the non-essentials. Because we have the duty to reject the division so that the work of Christ may not be harmed. It’s very common to see people who claim to follow Christ getting into extremely hostile arguments over secondary, non-essential, sectarian perspectives – and their demeanor totally destroys any witness possible.
Forgive those in the body who may ignorantly or selfishly cause harm. Forgiveness is central to our faith. It’s fair to say that you have not really begun to walk with Jesus, nor can you work for Jesus, if you are not living a forgiving life.
Focus on the simplicity of the message. We must not let divisive or divergent perspectives pull us away from the simplicity of Christ. If we stay focused on Him, and keep our hearts pure from bitterness by living out forgiveness, we may find ourselves being instruments that God will use to heal a constantly divided body. We fight the Devil and his schemes by doing Jesus stuff the way Jesus taught. Love your fellow christian, forgive when others wound us, and be eager to build others up – rather than tear them down.
If you think you have knowledge? Good, but study to show you’re approved of God – not to be better than men. Also be careful – because knowledge puffs up; but, love and grace will build up. Be zealous for truth, but be sure that your perspective on truth is not a means to attack others or appear knowledgeable at the expense of others. God opposes the proud but gives much grace to the humble.
Witness, discuss, and debate with patience and faithfulness – holding tightly to the grace that has been given to you in Jesus. You may be right and help someone see something they have misunderstood – or you may be the one who needs to grow; so have the willingness to patiently bear with one another in love. But most importantly, walk and talk and debate with humility. It is childlike faith, not scholarly expertise, that pleases the Lord Jesus.
If we, the members of the body, can love, faithfully teach our brothers and sisters – and kindly warn those who are disobedient to the faith, we may win souls and change the world. But if we devour one another, the body remains divided, the work of the Lord suffers and the world remains in chaos. As followers of Jesus, that is unacceptable and we must take responsibility to make it right.
Don’t forget to check out our books and materials
Division within the Indivisible – Part 2
Did you see part 1?
Overcoming the hostility and conflict among Christians on the internet is our responsibility.
How then can we, the body of Christ, reject destructive division?
Forgive those in the body who may ignorantly or selfishly cause harm. Forgiveness is central to our faith. It’s fair to say that you have not really begun to walk with Jesus, nor can you work for Jesus, if you are not living a forgiving life.
Focus on the simplicity of the message. We must not let divisive or divergent perspectives pull us away from the simplicity of Christ. If we stay focused on Him, and keep our hearts pure from bitterness by living out forgiveness, we may find ourselves being instruments that God will use to heal a constantly divided body. We fight the Devil and his schemes by doing Jesus stuff the way Jesus taught. Love your fellow christian, forgive when others wound us, and be eager to build others up – rather than tear them down.
Witness, discuss, and debate with patience and faithfulness – holding tightly to the grace that has been given to you in Jesus. You may be right and help someone see something they have misunderstood – or you may be the one who needs to grow; so have the willingness to patiently bear with one another in love. But most importantly, walk and talk and debate with humility. It is childlike faith, not scholarly expertise, that pleases the Lord Jesus.
If we, the members of the body, can love, faithfully teach our brothers and sisters – and kindly warn those who are disobedient to the faith, we may win souls and change the world. But if we devour one another, the body remains divided, the work of the Lord suffers and the world remains in chaos. As followers of Jesus, that is unacceptable and we must take responsibility to make it right.
Don’t forget to check out our books and materials
Published in Commentary, Fellowship of Believers, Great News, Prepared Warriors, Teaching and The Jesus Adventure