But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ. (Ephesians 4:15 NKJV)
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (Colossians 4:2-6)
Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 1:13)
A dichotomy is where two things are divided into separate categories. For example, on one hand are vegetarians and on the other hand are those who eat meat. That is a true dichotomy or opposite matters. The colors black and white are a true dichotomy: one is all the colors in one; the other is a lack of color.
However, sometimes a dichotomy is just arbitrarily invented, in other words, made up. One example is the attitude concerning truth and love. Some feel that love trumps the upholding of truth and sound doctrine. Others think that truth and sound doctrine do not require kindness and love. Both of these positions are false, based on the same artificial dichotomy that somehow sound teaching and love don’t go together.
Let’s boil it down to the bottom line. We must be concerned about what we teach, and we must be concerned about how we teach. We can act in the kindest manner, but if we don’t teach the “whole counsel of God,” we are “kindly” and “lovingly” leading people straight toward eternal destruction! On the other hand, we can firmly declare the truth of God, nothing but sound doctrine, but do it in a hateful, condescending manner and drive people away from God with our attitude. The result is the same—souls lost throughout eternity!
Many will reject the truth. That is simply a fact. However, the only opportunity for souls to be saved is when sound doctrine is taught with a gentle, kind and loving spirit. To neglect the what or the how is a fatal flaw—indeed a very deadly one!
