Planted by Water

Christians must learn to disagree before they can learn to agree. It is possible to disagree without being disagreeable

Just a quick thought to end the week with. It seemed appropriate after some of the rather heated and the sometimes less than gracious tone of some comments this week. I believe in the need to have strong convictions and to be passionate about them. I share many convictions with those who commented. I believe that Jesus is going to bring his church to a unity of faith and a oneness of mind on many areas of truth. For that to happen, however, we must first learn how to disagree which will mean at least:

1. knowing what we believe
2. Knowing exactly where we differ from one another
3. Refusing to caricature the position of those we disagree with but be clear on what their arguments actually are
4. Being clear and honest about areas of disagreement
5. Knowing that it is alright to disagree and that it is possible to disagree with someone without being disagreeable towards them
6. Whilst being clear, straightforward and even passionate about what we believe, (and certainly not being mealy-mouthed about it) expressing those disagreements with humility and grace