We Disagree and I Think You Are…

There are a lot of Christians I disagree with and a lot who disagree with me. Sometimes our disagreements are so strong that we choose to worship in different congregations. They would never feel comfortable where I go to church, and I would not feel comfortable where they go. Sometimes the disagreements are so strong that one of us leaves a congregation because they just will not move in the direction we believe the Lord wants. Or one of us leaves because a congregation moves in a direction we believe the Lord does not want.

And here is what I think about most of the Christians who disagree with me (including you, perhaps):

You are...

Smart. Just because we disagree does not make one of us stupid. We may have fundamentally different approaches to Scripture, and that determines our belief. I know how frustrated you must be when you carefully explain your reasoning, and I don't agree. I get it. I know Christians who are recognized everywhere for their scholarship. And I know farmers who know more Scripture than almost anyone I have ever known. Sometimes the scholars disagree with each other, and sometimes the farmers do, too.  

You are...

Just as much in love with God and Jesus as I am. One of us may be wrong about things, but that does not mean we are not in love with Jesus. There are people I absolutely disagree with but whom I could call if I was in trouble, and they would do anything they could to help me—just as I would for them.

And you are...

Wrong. I think. Of course I think I am right. Just like you do. Based on my convictions about God, Jesus, Scripture, and lots of study, I think my conviction is right. Which makes yours wrong. Based on your convictions about God, Jesus, Scripture, and lots of study, you think your conviction is right. Which makes mine wrong.

In some things, that is really important. In others, we make it way too big a deal.

So, I am not saying you have to agree with everyone about everything. I am saying you have to be like Jesus.  

So quit looking down on people and stop being arrogant. Love your brothers and sisters. They love Jesus just as much as you.

You may be saying, “But, but, but…”

And I get it. Are some things so wrong that there are eternal consequences? I believe so. But God will sort that out.  

After all, it's His Kingdom anyway.