How should we act when we disagree?

How should we act when we disagree?

Daniel Justice

How should we treat believers we disagree with?
Jesus taught his followers to love one another as He loved them (John 13:34-35). This principle extends to treating members of different Christian denominations with kindness, respect, and love, recognizing them as brothers and sisters in Christ.
In John 17:20-23, Jesus prays for all believers to be one, as He and the Father are one. This encourages Christians to focus on the core beliefs that unite them, like the belief in Jesus Christ as Savior, rather than the differences that could divide them.
Matthew 7:1-5 warns against judging others, lest you be judged. Christians are encouraged to approach differences with humility, understanding that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23).
Engaging in respectful dialogue can lead to better understanding and appreciation of different interpretations and traditions. Acts 17:11 speaks of the Bereans who examined the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true, suggesting an open but discerning approach to teachings.
Many Christian denominations work together on social issues, charity work, and community service, focusing on shared goals like helping the poor, advocating for justice, or spreading the Gospel.
The body of Christ has many parts, each with its function, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. This analogy can be extended to denominations, where each might have different emphases or gifts but all are part of the broader Christian church.
Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 and 3:1-9 speaks against divisions and sectarian attitudes within the church. Christians are encouraged to not let denominational identity supersede their identity in Christ.
Instead of criticizing or competing, praying for the spiritual well-being and growth of other denominations can foster a spirit of unity and love.
Different denominations might have practices or interpretations of scripture that can enrich one's own faith. There's a value in ecumenical learning where one can appreciate the depth of Christian tradition across denominations.
While there are many secondary issues where denominations differ (e.g., forms of worship, church governance), focusing on essential doctrines like the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and the resurrection can help maintain unity.

The overarching theme in scripture regarding inter-denominational relations is one of love, unity in essentials, liberty in non-essentials, and charity in all things. However, how these principles are applied can vary widely among individual Christians and specific denominations, reflecting the diversity within Christianity itself.

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