Godly Disagreement vs. Personal Attack

Our Christian character is tested by how we disagree.

1. We shouldn’t disagree in anger (Proverbs 15:18; Proverbs 25:15).   

Anger blurs the facts and magnifies the differences, making us think the worst, jump to conclusions, and behave arrogantly. 

Proverbs 15:1: "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

2. We should put ourselves in the other person’s shoes. 

Is our timing good? Have we carefully considered our words so they are fair and considerate? 

Matthew 7:12: "Do to others as you would have them do to you."

3. We should stick to the subject (Colossians 4:6). 

When we start attacking the character or motives of others, we become idolators. We value our view more than we value God’s commands to treat others graciously. 

Proverbs 11:9: "With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors."  

If we disagree in godly ways, we encourage healthy relationships.

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Note: God commands us to judge false teachings: Matthew 7:15-20; 1 John 4:1; 2 Peter 2:1; Ephesians 5:11. 

When we do this, we cannot judge the teacher's motives or character, unless they are clearly stated by the teacher. But we can judge their words, whether recorded or written.

This is different from personal relationships where we should go personally to the person who has offended us instead of talking about it with others.

In all situations, we must avoid ad hominem methods.

These are examples of false teachings addressed biblically:

Book Review: Boundaries by Cloud and Townsend

Jesus Calling: Are Sarah Young’s Claims Biblical?  

All or Nothing: Christ’s Fulfillment of the Law

Is the KJV the Best English Bible Translation?

5 Lies About God’s Character Promoted in The Shack

The Popular Teachings of Joel Osteen: Beware

A Letter From a Reader about Transgenderism

Why Hoping All Men Will Be Saved is a Sign of Unbelief

Bible Love Notes