Principles to Remember when Discussing the “Gray Areas”

How to view the entire discussion

  1. You hold no responsibility to win converts to your position.
  2.  There is no “safe” position. You’re either at risk of legalism or license.
  3.  Your personal practices can remain as such. That’s between you and God.
  4. On any given subject you may actually be the weaker brother.
  5. Nowhere does the Bible say that the weaker brother is to remain in that state in perpetuity.
  6. It is just as wrong to permit what God prohibits as it is to prohibit what God permits.

How to know when you’re off track

  1. If the debate consumes more of your time than your interaction with God in prayer and the Word, you’re doing something wrong.
  2. If you find yourself getting worked up and angry, you may have taken it too far.
  3. Have you convinced yourself that the Gospel will rise or fall on someone agreeing with you on this topic?
  4. Is this a hill worth taking, or is this something you are willing to die for?
  5. Is a fellow-believer truly going to be in sin if they do not share your position on this issue?

 

How to consider the other side

  1. Be willing to listen closely to what the other side is saying without thinking about how you will respond.
  2. Be willing to admit that there are good Christians on the other side of the issue.
  3. Always remember that “esteem others better than ourselves” and “living peaceably with all men” is a two-way street.
  4. Don’t expect someone to change their mind in the middle of an online debate.
  5. Look for a possible middle ground.
  6. Understand the position of the other person.
  7. Make sure they agree with the way you’ve stated their position.

How to communicate your position

  1. Before wading into any discussion on gray areas, sit down, read Romans 14, and pray.
  2. You may hold a better application, but, if you force it on others, you’re actually sinning.
  3.  Avoid speaking where the Bible doesn’t or speaking loudly where the Bible is quiet.
  4.  Don’t say too much too forcefully so that you’ll have less to take back if you change your position.
  5. Be careful with terms like “wise” or “conservative” when describing your own position; these may lend more weight to your position than warranted.
  6. Be careful about dealing with these issues in front of non-believers.

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