I am writing this, inspired by some thoughts I read in an article. I thought it would be relevant for all of us. The compelling reason I am writing this is to teach myself a profound lesson. Here it is.
Many church conflicts do not begin with false doctrine, but with wounded pride. We fight to defend our opinions, our positions, and our rights, forgetting that Christ never asked us to win arguments; He asked us to love one another. Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35). The true test of spiritual maturity is not how loudly we speak the truth, but how faithfully we demonstrate Christ's love.
Peter gives a startling command: "Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing" (1 Peter 3:9). Human nature seeks revenge; the Spirit seeks restoration. When Jesus washed the feet of those who would soon abandon Him (John 13:14-15), He showed that humility is not weakness; it is strength under God's control. The greatest victories in God's Kingdom are often won by those who choose grace over retaliation.
Perhaps the question is not, "Who was right?" but "Did Christ become visible through us?" A church united in love is a greater witness than a church united merely in opinion. As Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue." Every conversation, every disagreement, and every response presents a choice: will we prove our point, or will we reveal our Saviour?