“When brothers and sisters differ with one another, how we differ is just as important as the fact that we differ or as the subject about which we differ” (Joshua Fullman, Chapel, Faulkner University).
A dog owner was trying to force-feed his dog some cod liver oil. The dog was resisting violently. As the “fight” continued, some of the oil was spilled on the floor. The dog eagerly lapped the cod liver oil off the floor. It wasn’t the medicine the dog was rejecting, but it was the method of delivery to which he objected.
Some of us seem to feel that one honestly mistaken about some doctrine needs to be rebuked and condemned rather than taught. When we do this, we often do more harm than good, solidifying people in their error.
When we are correcting a brother overtaken in a fault, we are to do so with gentleness and humility (Galatians 6:1). When we answer those who ask for a reason for our hope, we are to answer them with gentleness and respect (2 Peter 3:16). Whenever we speak, we are to speak truth with love (Ephesians 4:15).
[Editor’s Note: There is a difference between an impenitent false teacher (Romans 16:17-18) or divisive person (Titus 3:10) and someone who did not know something and who is teachable (Acts 18:26). ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]
