Getting Along When Our Convictions Differ

Those who have been born again by faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross are unified. This unity involves a common relationship with God and subsequently, a relationship with others who have also become children of God. There will be great diversity and levels of maturity in this group of people God brings together. Varying backgrounds prior to salvation bring customs, preferences, and previous religious experiences that are potential areas of conflict.

Food and days were some of the areas of conflict in the early days of the church as Jews and Gentiles were brought together. The bottom line in learning to get along with differing opinions and levels of maturity is that all professing believers are to be treated as fellow children of God. Mature believers are not to sit in judgment towards immature believers and their weakness of faith. Personal convictions that are not biblical contradictions are to be respected without criticism.