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By Neal Griffin
Several years ago W.Carl Ketcherside coined a phrase that caught my attention. He wrote, "Let us be ‘peace' makers and not ‘piece' makers". He wrote this in reference to the various church splits that were rampant during his time, but it would be good for us to consider the phrase in light of the discussions in our regional assemblies and Internet debates.
In Romans Chapter 14 Paul introduces a peripheral issue that we would do well to consider. I say, "peripheral", because it has nothing at all to do with salvation by grace through faith. It has nothing to do with the Deity of Jesus nor with the fundamental truth of the Gospel. It is perfectly clear that God is not concerned one way or the other about the issue introduced here but He is concerned about the attitudes generated in us by it. Attitudes are more important in this case than the issue. We would be wise to consider the recommended attitudes in this chapter and notice how beautifully they are nestled between his comments on loving one another in Chapter 13 and the acceptance of one another in Chapter 15. The ones who are able to eat the meat are admonished to consider the feelings of those who cannot and those who cannot are admonished to not be judgmental of those who can. Now here is the clincher as I see it. Verse 19 reads, "SO LET US TRY TO DO WHAT MAKES PEACE AND HELPS ONE ANOTHER". These passages should have some impact on us as we consider the attitudes that we demonstrate toward one another in our daily activities and in our discussions.
Of course loving one another is the solution to most if not all of our brotherhood problems, but we just don't seem to know how. And since we don't seem to know how it would be wise for us to look to the Bible for directions in this all important area. There is only one passage to my knowledge that deals specifically with assembly conduct and that is Hebrews 10:24. "Consider one another to love and good works". One version reads, "Let us think of each other and help each other to show love and good works". Ephesians 4:29 more generally relates to our attitudes toward one another: "LET NO CORRUPT SPEECH PROCEED OUT OF YOUR MOUTH, BUT SUCH AS IS GOOD FOR EDIFYING AS THE NEED MAY BE, THAT IT MAY GIVE GRACE TO THEM THAT HEAR!". Verse 31 reads: "Do not be bitter or angry or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil!". If these passages were taken to heart I don't believe that we would be hearing and reading the mean spirited things that disputants are saying to one another. If we would be willing to follow these Scriptural guidelines as we discuss issues I think the Lord would be pleased.
"Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know that they produce quarrels". 2'nd Timothy 2:23. Some delight in a good fight. They love to administer verbal black eyes. They sow seeds of discord wherever they go, ignore the peaceful overtures of the Lord, and disrupt the peaceful harmony of assemblies. By their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:20. Are you one of "them"? Is it apparent by the tenor of your life that your promotion is debating, arguing, and fighting? Are you known as a promoter of issues or as a promoter of Jesus? The Bible says that by your fruits you are known. "Avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about (the) law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once and again and then have nothing to do with them." Titus 3:9-10.
What but pride motivates the contentious? In Proverbs we read, "Only by pride cometh contention, but with the well advised is wisdom"; and, "The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water; therefore leave off contention before it be meddled with"; and, "As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife". The passage, "Stand ready to give an account of the hope that is within you.", has nothing to do with being ready to defend private interpretations in matters not remotely connected to the hope of salvation in Christ Jesus.
Let us endeavor to keep the unity of the Sprit in the bond of peace! Let us endure one another in love! Let us be kindly disposed toward one another! Let us carry one another's burdens! Let us truly welcome one another, as Christ welcomed us, to the glory of God. By the tender mercies of Jesus I call on us all to lay aside our combative attitudes and be peace makers. Let us give prior thought to what we are going to say to one another and be absolutely sure that it will minister grace and edification before we let the words out of our mouths. Ephesians 4:29.
But how then are we going to deal with a contentious person who persists in starting arguments? My suggestion is that we not allow him to draw us into an argument. If it is apparent that he wants to argue then turn the other cheek if necessary! Return good for evil! Be patient! Refuse to let his difference make a difference! Do unto him what you would wish to be done unto you if you were in his shoes! Pray that the love of the Lord Jesus will emanate from us as we endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace! There is a place among brethren for peaceful discussions but there is no place for the arguing and disputing that engenders strife.
Please consider these thoughts. I believe them to be true to the Word.
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