And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. I Corinthians 13:2
I have joined many bible study groups online, and I have quit about just as many. I can never understand how some people who profess to have the Christ in their hearts can use their lips to praise God one moment and lambast a fellow believer the next, all in defense of a doctrinal truth, or so they say.
In these groups, you will meet a lot of people with such great intellect you will be amazed at how much knowledge they have at their command. They are so ready to tear at anyone who will dare to come up with a topic that is in any way contrary to their own way of thinking.
But I really think that sharing the truth should be done in a kind and loving way for it to be effective. How come we say that we are Christians, but have forgotten that Jesus, who is the King of kings, came in humility to make his abode with us so He can fulfill the Scriptures and save us? Didn’t God exhibit such patience for His people in Israel who were known for their stubbornness? Hasn’t He been patient with our own foibles? Because no matter how much we know, it is a part of our walk of faith to fall along the way, for we are not yet glorified, and are still in the process of being sanctified. We should just be thankful that we cannot fall out of grace with God completely because He has also made provisions for our weaknesses. (1 John 1:8) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:10) If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
People are different from each other in intellect and temperament. They are also different in their quest for maturity as believers. Those who are rich in spiritual things must share them in love and compassion to those that are deficient. We should practice charity, not only with our material riches, but most especially with our spiritual riches. Those who are mature should gently guide those who are not. Besides, Christians are living epistles to the world at large. How can we become effective witnesses for Christ if we behave like unbelievers?
If we create conflict and chaos when discussing the Word of God, instead of leading and enlightening, what does that say about us? People won’t listen, until they know how much we care. A song says it really well, “… And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, Yes they’ll know we are Christians by our love.” And that’s the greatest way to witness, for didn’t God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)?
