Before You Speak, Take a Seat, and Check this Sheet (aka free printable below!)
The Bible is an amazing book that reveals God's love, grace, and redemption. It is a source of wisdom, guidance, and hope for millions of people around the world. However, sometimes we can get so caught up in the details of the Bible we start to argue and judge each other over minor issues that are not essential for salvation such as:
- Worship styles - “old school” hymns vs contemporary music
- Dress codes - formal vs casual
- Church décor - pews vs comfy seats
- Food and drink policies - coffee/ snacks in the sanctuary – nay or yay?
While these are just a few examples of matters that sometimes cause strong opinions, they should not lead to division. Rather, we should respect each other's choices and focus on the things that really matter, such as sharing the gospel, serving the needy, and growing in our faith. As the apostle Paul wrote, "Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister... For the kingdom of God is…righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:13, 17).
The Bible is a book that can unite us, not separate us if we read it with an open heart and sound mind. It can help us understand God's heart and better follow His will for us to live in harmony with each other. It can inspire us to be more like Jesus, who came not to condemn the world, but to save it.
Let us use the Bible as a tool to bring people closer to God and to each other, not as a weapon to push them away from one another and separate them from their Savior. Let us remember that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our being and to love our neighbor as ourselves. That is the essence of God’s plan, the Bible, and the heart of our faith.
Grab the FREE conversation checklist, “The Poop and Pray Guide to Positive Chats!” Because let's face it, sometimes discussions can be challenging, but hopefully, this handy guide will help keep the dialogue flowing, not the mess growing!
