Let’s Allow Other Christians to Express their Convictions!

In our social media world it seems Christians are always debating each other in the public sphere.  While there can be some good in open dialogue, when done with a critical spirit it harms the cause of Christ. It discourages Christians and shows discord within the faith of Christ.

  • The latest topic is Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.  Many Christians have voiced their conviction that they will boycott the movie because of it being used to support same-sex attraction.  Other Christians have expressed their desire to see the movie. I don’t believe it is a sin to hold either conviction.  It is a matter of liberty to which Paul spoke of in Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8.  So why should Christians berate the conviction of another?  Why would we call each other “hypocrites”?
  • Another recent topic has been the immigrant and refugee issue.  Many Christians vocally oppose President Trump’s policies on immigration and trumpet how we are to be treating refugees with love and compassion.  While other Christians support strengthening the border, deportation of illegal immigrants, and are not in favor of accepting refugees.  It seems this is another area of liberty, and one that we should respect the convictions of others.

I could go on listing controversial topics; like politics or school preference.  But the problem is the same no matter the topic. Christians must learn to allow each other to express and hold their convictions.  Paul said we are not to “quarrel over opinions” (Rom. 14:1).  We are not to “despise” one another (Rom. 14:3).  We need to allow one another to make up their own mind on these matters of opinion and act out of faith (Rom. 14:23).  Christians should recognize the difference in matters of liberty or opinion and matters of doctrine or faith (2 John 9-11)  It is not our place to judge others when they express their opinions, Paul says judgment is reserved for God (Rom. 14:10-13).  We should seek to foster mutual acceptance and love through our words and actions in person and on social media.  Calling others hypocrites, or ridiculing their choices, doesn’t encourage or help anyone!  If you must disagree, be respectful and kind.  Use their expression of a conviction to encourage your faith and learn from them as you try to form your own.  Christians should focus on respecting the opinions of one another, rather than rejecting their expression of them!

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  1. I agree that Christians should recognize the difference in matters of liberty or opinion and matters of doctrine or faith.

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