How to disagree with others.

1 Cor 8 Important or not?

Have you ever been in a discussion with someone who then argues that you are saying is unimportant? Sparks fly and tempers rage. One is right and one is wrong but neither will admit to it. Thus,it was in the church in Corinth. Paul had spent much of his ministry there only to have to quell disagreements. One said knowledge was the most important thing. Get knowledge! Paul conceded that yes knowledge was important, but the greater is love for fellow Christians. If you lack this you are just a gonging cymbal. John also spoke to that in his letters to his flock and others. He said that we prove our knowledge by how we love others. If that is lacking, we really have no knowledge of God and His Son. 

In Corinth, the argument raged over the meat sacrificed to idols. Some said we should ask and then decide whether to eat or not. Others said, that is the unimportant issue because idols are nothing anyway. They chose to agree to disagree. Yet, they also chose to not love the brethren with whom they were in disagreement. Beloved, this should not be! Paul reminded them of this principle: “you sin against your brothers or sisters in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ” So what is really the important issue here? It is to love others as Christ loved the church and deal with issues in love. 

How are you faring in this department beloved when you are in a discussion with other believers?