Bible Study

Title: Balancing Truth and Love
Date: Sep 8, 2005
Topic(s): Relationships
Scripture: Romans 12:9-18

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Have you ever tried to sit on a three-legged stool when one leg is missing? It's possible, with great balance and concentration. But it's also precarious--one minor distraction and you find yourself on the floor.

So it is with the church family when one member thinks he is so right that everyone else is wrong. Such an attitude can undermine the fellowship of the Body. God gave His Word so we might know His truth. One of those truths is that the unity of the Body is extremely important. Being divisive in the church prevents God's blessings and the working of the Holy Spirit.

What Does God Say?

"Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other" (Romans 12:9-10, NLT).

How then do you balance convictions (biblical truths I hold strongly to) and harmony (to love and care for each other in the body)?

Should you water down your convictions or compromise the standards of Scripture?

Should you withdraw from fellowship and keep your distance from other members?

In teaching through the Book of Romans, Dr. Woodrow Kroll, President of Back to the Bible, said:

It's not that you don't hold strongly to what you believe; it's that you do it in such a loving way that [others are] attracted to you in the way that you believe it. They contrast the way they believe what they believe against the way that you believe what you believe, and you come out looking better.

There's your balance--convictions and unity are only two of the three legs you need for balance. When Christian love is added, you avoid those sudden falls that come from losing your balance.

My Thoughts

How's your balance? Ask yourself these questions as a self-check.

Regarding your convictions:

• Do all of your beliefs have a biblical foundation?
• Do you refuse to compromise the ones based on Scripture?

Regarding unity:

• Are you committed to preserving and protecting the unity of the Body?
• Are you agreeable with those who disagree with you?

Regarding love:

• Are you conscious of God's sacrificial and unconditional love for you?
• Do you consistently show that kind of Christian love to other believers?

"When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow. Live in harmony with each other. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all! Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do your part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible" (Romans 12:15-18, NLT).

My Part

Jesus was an example for us. He had

• courage of His convictions.
• submission to the will of the Father.
• a commitment to lay down His life for His friends.

Pray that God would help you to be more like Him in these areas.

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