Opinions

God’s Word calls us into a posture of acceptance and understanding within the Christian community, especially concerning “opinions”. This refers to issues where the Bible does not provide direct commands or prohibitions—areas where believers are free to hold differing viewpoints. These may include dietary habits, what we wear, or other practices not central to salvation.

Paul’s instruction to not quarrel over opinions, is a reminder that our unity in Christ transcends individual differences in non-essential beliefs. The early church, like ours today, was diverse, with members coming from various backgrounds and holding varying convictions on disputable matters. Paul emphasizes that such diversity should not lead to division but rather be approached with love and respect.

Welcoming those weak in faith doesn’t mean we dilute the truth or compromise essential doctrines. Instead, it means we recognize the journey of faith is different for each person, and we’re called to support one another in love, without causing disputes over non-essential issues.

Today, as we consider how we approach disputable matters within your faith community. Ask yourself this question, are you contributing to unity or division? Let’s strive to create an environment where all can grow in faith, rooted in the essential truth of the Gospel where we can keep our opinions while extending grace and understanding in areas of personal conviction.

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, we ask for your help to set aside our differences that have no salvation value and look to the greater cause, the cause of Christ. Father, we ask that you would help us to truly live a life of love. We know that this is only possible through the power of your Spirit, so we pray for your Spirit to move across our land in fresh ways. God, turn your people back to you. Draw others to come to know you. We ask for your ability to quickly forgive hurts, for a renewed heart of compassion, for love and faithfulness to be evident in every decision and action. In Jesus’ name, Amen.