10/20/09 UNITY LIBERTY CHARITY

10/20/09 UNITY LIBERTY CHARITY

Augustine of Hippo said,

In Essentials, Unity

In Nonessentials, Liberty

In All Things, Charity

My View

My point of view has always been,

If the Bible requires it, it is required,

If the Bible forbids it, it is forbidden,

If the Bible does not address it, it must be approached with faith and grace, and others should not be attacked because they see it differently.

Even when people are anti Biblical we must be gracious.

We should not jeopardize close relationships over non-essentials.

Life is fragile and relationships can be transient.

Psalm 133:1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Love is the glue that holds us together.

ALSO CONSIDER
1 Corinthians 7:6
(6)  But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.

This passage indicates that God is sometimes silent on issues. This does not mean that there is no right or wrong, but it does mean that the right is discovered by prayerful, wise, intelligent seeking God's will.

Some issues are not defined in detail by the Bible. Those who have insight into Biblical principles, social mores, moral standards and cultural distinctions should be consulted for wise counsel.

When differences of opinion exist, in the absence of Biblical revelation, loving tolerance must prevail. If God says it, that settles it, if God allows us to believe something, we must not force it on others nor should others ridicule us for believing differently than they believe.

If we are maligned, we should hold our ground and love our critics. The wisdom of Elders should be sought and submitted to, and Elders should not be accused, except on the witness of two or three other people.

The Scripture says, Be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath.