Rev. Li Puwen from Shanghai Sheshan Bible Church published an article on a WeChat account titled "Back to the Bible" to answer how Christians should view disagreements, citing Colossians 4:6. He points out that it's improper to be vehement over disagreements. Christians should be tolerant and have control when disagreeing with other Christians.
Wrong attitude toward different opinions
In real life, everyone varies in their views and concepts most of the time. In a company, people who think differently provide their plans in a meeting, explaining the advantages and disadvantages so their boss can make a final decision.
What about the Christian community? Rev. Li states that Christians generally don't offend others who hold different opinions in the church, but some are tactless and even revile others in online communication. In any case, being enraged is not God's will. He quoted 1 Corinthians 14:20, "Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults."
"It's actually normal to have different views. Even theologians have different views in interpreting Scripture. What's more, we have different perspectives on society, life, children's education and trending news. Sometimes we have a different insight at present than from the past, let alone other people who grow up in different circumstances. It's marvelous that we seldom oppose our former selves, generous and gentle to ourselves while showing a different attitude to the others."
We should stick to and defend the fundamental truth, but be tolerant to viewpoints on social phenomenon such as whether to ask our parents to take care of our children.
Reasons why Christian are angry over different opinions
The pastor summarized four reasons why Christians get angry at different opinions:
1. Some believe that they have infallible truth and are accountable to educate those who oppose them.
2. Some are offended and think the opposite side may despise them.
3. Some hold that others are so stupid they may lower the overall social morality and IQ and, as a result, feel they must stop it.
4. Some claim that it is unnecessary to be polite since the other side has a sharp tongue.
The pastor said that the above reasons don't glorify God or edify people. To begin with, he explains that only God is omniscient, completely just, and righteous, while the thoughts of men are futile. Humans can't know all the facts. Even if we have enough messages, errors exist in our judgment because of our sinful nature.
What's more, people are prone to overestimate themselves. The general situation is that other people don't intend to offend us and misunderstanding appears due to a lack of trust and communication.
For the third reason, treating other people as stupid obviously violates the Bible. The Lord declared, "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, 'Raca,' is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell." (Matthew 5:22) We receive all we have, so we should not boast.
Finally, we can't do the same even though other people attack us viciously. They need our mercy and prayer.
How should respond to disagreements
Rev. Li suggested that, first of all, don't take attacks personally and trust the sovereignty of God. Secondly, let the opposite side finish his or her speech. We should first figure out what they want to express and then ex[ress our own views.
Third, pray before giving a response or an argument. Listen, learn and reflect more. In addition, stand firm but be nice in speech if you decide to refute with a conversation or an article. He warned, "We may still be wrong unless the Bible has a very clear teaching and adequate verses to support our argument. This requires a humble heart first."
Translated by Karen Luo
