![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/argument-man-angry-silhouette-confrontation-dispute-1583761-pxhere.com_-300x300.jpg\")
Brethren frequently differ with one another, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. It may indicate conviction and our concern that others share our understanding of God’s word. Differences spring from various degrees of learning or experience, or from opinions expressed on moot questions. They may be avenues for greater learning and service, as all true saints will seek to keep differences within constructive bounds. But we must know how <\/i>to differ constructively. Who will write a How-To study, with a teacher’s manual and workbooks? The need is here, in a wide field.<\/p>\n
If I were writing such material I think I would begin by saying that we may differ with equals – on a compatible basis as neighbors. Childish weakness is evident in those who consider all with whom they differ as blood enemies. We must grow up.<\/p>\n
Second: make all possible efforts to understand the other’s position<\/strong>. Can you state his affirmation so he will accept it? You may find that you agree on the principle, and differ only on its application to some practices. Say so, and study accordingly.<\/p>\n Next: try to understand<\/strong> why<\/em> your opponent thinks<\/strong> as he does. Seek, by reasoning, to walk in his shoes. This will improve your attitude toward him and may enable you to help him. (I am<\/p>\n assuming that saints maintain this goal in their differences.) Also, as error involves persons, we need to be aware that there is a brother on the other end of our lance.<\/p>\n Hearts are won<\/em><\/strong>, not taken <\/i>by battle tactics<\/strong>. A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. Real conviction can not be forced<\/strong> on anyone, and carnal efforts to do so defeat legitimate purposes (II Corinthians 10).<\/p>\n Listen<\/strong> – at least as much as speak<\/strong>. If your opponent takes unfair advantage of the time, give him a gentle reminder or two – then politely but firmly excuse yourself. A shouting contest wins no souls for Christ.<\/sub><\/p>\n Be honest<\/strong>! If you can not answer a question, say so and promise to study, then answer later. In such cases, let your opponent explain his answer and proofs; then check these as you study the matter for yourself.<\/p>\n As much as possible, turn differences into mutual studies<\/strong> – two men, working together to determine truth, I am aware that ideal circumstances can not always exist, but we can try.<\/p>\n And remember, he who best serves the Lord is the winner <\/strong>– always!!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Robert F. Turner Plain Talk, July 1974 Brethren frequently differ with one another, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. It may indicate conviction and our concern that others share our understanding of God’s word. Differences spring from various degrees of learning or experience, or from opinions expressed on moot questions. They may be…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[1292,1200],"class_list":["post-47184","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-article","tag-debates","tag-disagreements"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":89101,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/when-we-differ\/","url_meta":{"origin":47184,"position":0},"title":"When We Differ","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"August 5, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"by Doy Moyer Working with people is challenging because we often have differences that extend beyond preferences in styles and tastes. We sometimes differ over what we deem significant matters, and we need to know how to approach not only the issues but also the fact of our differences and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Article"","block_context":{"text":"Article","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/article\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":61054,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/why-do-churches-of-christ-differ-so-widely\/","url_meta":{"origin":47184,"position":1},"title":"Why Do “Churches of Christ” Differ so Widely?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"May 29, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"by Sewell Hall via\u00a0Biblical Insights, February 2012 A sign reading \"Church of Christ\" in front of a building tells you very little these days. Most any doctrine or practice may be found inside. This is frustrating to many people. Outsiders make fun of the situation, saying, \"You preach unity but\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Article"","block_context":{"text":"Article","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/article\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":1999,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/if-you-can-have-fellowship-with-people-who-differ-in-one-area-why-cant-you-have-fellowship-with-those-who-have-kitchens-and-fellowship-halls\/","url_meta":{"origin":47184,"position":2},"title":"If you can have fellowship with people who differ in one area, why can’t you have fellowship with those who have kitchens and fellowship halls?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"December 16, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: Do you believe that weddings and\/or funerals may take place in the church auditorium? Do you think that you can maintain fellowship with those who differ with you on this question? Do you think that you can maintain fellowship with those who differ with you about having a kitchen\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":55023,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/the-appeal-of-ketchersides-teachings\/","url_meta":{"origin":47184,"position":3},"title":"The Appeal of Ketcherside’s Teachings","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"October 7, 2006","format":false,"excerpt":"by Herschel Patton via\u00a0Truth Magazine\u00a0- April 1974 We have been saddened lately by a few brethren, mostly among the young, abandoning strict adherence to a \"thus saith the Lord\" and casting their lot with liberal brethren, even to the extent of \"open fellowship\" with the denominations - as advocated by\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Article"","block_context":{"text":"Article","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/article\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":88391,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/humans-and-chimpanzees-are-not-99-genetically-similar\/","url_meta":{"origin":47184,"position":4},"title":"Humans and Chimpanzees are Not 99% Genetically Similar","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"July 3, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Source: Robert Carter, \"Humans and chimpanzees are NOT 99% identical,\"\u00a0Creation Ministries International, 3 July 2025. \"Yes, humans and chimpanzees do share a lot of DNA, but when you include what they\u00a0don't share, the percent identity drops significantly, into the low 80% range.\" How similar are humans and chimpanzees? \"about 85%\"\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Issues"","block_context":{"text":"Issues","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/issues\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":89194,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/lines-of-separation\/","url_meta":{"origin":47184,"position":5},"title":"Lines of Separation","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"August 7, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"by Doy Moyer (Note: for starting points about what to do when we differ, you can see \"When We Differ.) Christians are taught to walk in love and unity. Paul wrote, \"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Article"","block_context":{"text":"Article","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/article\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47184","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47184"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47184\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47184"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=47184"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=47184"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}