People in the church have always had disagreements, and they always will because Christians are thrust together from all races, cultures and backgrounds.  This diverse nature of The Church often causes conflict between brethren and creates disunity.  For that reason, the Apostle Paul calls for acceptance of one another in spite of strong differences among brethren.

Some of these disagreements are doctrinal in nature, which prompted Jude to write, “Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).  However, most disagreements among congregations are over matters of opinion.  In Romans 14, Paul explains how Christians are to act when they disagree over issues that are not matters of doctrine.  As brothers and sisters in Christ, we can learn to accept one another’s differences of opinion without compromising sound doctrine.  How, then, do we maintain unity even though we may disagree?

First, we must establish whether an issue is a matter of doctrine or opinion.  Even if the issue is a matter of doctrine, we can use some general principles from Romans 14 that will help us when we disagree with our brethren.  Christians must always do that which builds up others – not the opposite (Rom. 14:19).

Second, we must be patient and compassionate toward the spiritually weak because they may not have reached a level of knowledge that a more spiritually mature person may have reached.  Therefore, the spiritually strong need to walk in love with the spiritually weak (Rom. 14:15).  If we truly love our brethren, then we will respect them and avoid being judgmental of them (Rom. 14:10).  We ought to interpret all they say and do in the best possible way believing that they are just as honest and sincere as we are regarding the Lord’s Will.

Third, we must always care, and have concern, for our brethren (Rom. 14:20-21) because we are not isolated individuals – what we do affects our brethren (Rom.14:7).  To continue pursuing the things that that make for peace and mutual up-building, let us never be responsible for promoting division within the church or even cause the Lord’s church to be spoken of as evil (Rom. 14:16).

It is imperative that we strive to accept even our brethren who disagree with us.  While we may need to “watch out” for and “avoid” those who are divisive and lead others away from sound doctrine (Rom. 16:17), we should be very reluctant to draw lines of fellowship between our brethren.  If we are forced to “avoid” a brother because of some doctrinal error he has embraced, then it should only be done with great sorrow and tears.