| The Attitude of Unity
~Gary Holloway
"In matters of faith, unity; in matters of opinion, liberty, in all things, love."
This is one of the most powerful statements in Christian history. It has been an influential statement for those of us who have a heritage in the American Stone-Campbell Restoration movement.
But in my experience, we have often argued and divided over matters of opinion. One problem is that what some consider opinion, others consider a matter of faith.
It must have been the same in Paul's time. In writing the Romans, he talks about these disputable matters in Romans 13:8-15:7. The particular matters he writes about-eating meat or only vegetables, and whether one celebrates religious holidays-do not trouble us much. But as we will see below, there are other disputable matters that trouble us greatly.
Paul is clear on how to handle these disputes. "Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters" (Romans 14:1).
"Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way" (Romans 14:13).
"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves" (Romans 15:1).
"Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law" (Romans 13:9-10).
It's not about who is right or wrong. It's about love.
Everyone is for love.
"Love your neighbor as yourself" No one objects to loving the neighbor. But what if your neighbor is wrong? What if this "neighbor" is a fellow Christian who disagrees strongly with you? How can we love our brothers and sisters who misunderstand the Bible? After studying with them, do we write them off as false Christians who will not accept the obvious truth? Or do we love them as full brothers and sisters in spite of their "error"?
Paul clearly says we should love and accept them. He says, "Do not judge your brother or sister." He commands, "Do not look down on your brother or sister." The specific issues of disagreement he mentions-eating meat, keeping holy days, and drinking wine-may not seem that important to us. But they were important to some Roman Christians. Those Christians lined up strongly on opposite sides of these issues, each side firmly convinced that the other was wrong. Each thought the Bible was on their side. Paul doesn't resolve the issues, but he pleads for love in spite of their differences.
We can think of other issues that divide Christians, some we think are important, even central to the faith. But it is not agreement that unites us; it is the love of God in Christ. Even if our brothers and sisters are wrong, we leave their judgment to Christ. Even if we are wrong (and we have been before), we leave our judgment in the hands of a gracious Savior.
| 
The Women's Desk