Dealing with Differences

KEY VERSE: “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” —II Corinthians 13:11

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: II Corinthians 12:19-21; 13:5-13

GENERAL AGREEMENT ON the great fundamental truths of the Bible as centered in Jesus Christ is essential to true Christian fellowship. To whatever extent there is disagreement on doctrines, or teachings, there is, of necessity, and in that proportion, a lack of full fellowship. God said in connection with his own relationship to Israel, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3) The obvious answer is that they cannot.

True Christian fellowship is more—much more—than companionship and social intercourse. The Greek word in the New Testament which is translated fellowship literally means partnership, implying, in the case of Christians, a common participation in belief and practice. The thought is well expressed in the lesson of the Early Church at Jerusalem, concerning whom it is written: “They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”—Acts 2:42.

Their having all things in common so far as material things were concerned was a noble attempt to extend the spirit of fellowship beyond spiritual matters. But these material matters were too closely entwined with the fallen flesh of the brethren to permit such an arrangement to work smoothly, so the Scriptures do not indicate that it was continued.

The word doctrine simply means teaching. All the teachings of the apostles pertained to Jesus, the Messiah, the Christ of promise, his part in the divine plan, and the Christian’s relationship to him. Teachings relating to Jesus and his work of redemption embrace directly or indirectly the entire plan of God—all the glorious truths set forth from cover to cover of the Bible.

A proper appreciation of the truths of the Bible pertaining to the divine plan, and of Jesus’ part in that plan, leads to godlikeness in our attitude toward one another as we strive to be more like our role model. Kindness, tenderness, and the spirit of forgiveness are essential elements of true Christian fellowship and unity.

There must be a large measure of selflessness on the part of those who enjoy the fellowship of the saints. Paul wrote, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself.”—Rom. 15:1-3

Paul said that “the reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (vss. 3,4) Peter explains that through the prophets the Holy Spirit had testified concerning the “sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.”—I Pet. 1:11

One aspect of Christian unity is a fellowship in Christ’s sufferings. Paul wrote: “That I may know him [Jesus], and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.” (Phil. 3:10) And again, “Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.”—Phil. 1:29

“Now the God of patience [RSV: ‘steadfastness’] and consolation grant you to be like-minded one toward another after the example of Christ Jesus [Margin: ‘that ye may with one mind and one mouth’] glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom. 15:5,6) The supreme objective of the Christian life is to glorify God, and for Christians to do this unitedly they must be of one mind.

| Home Page | Table of Contents |