The Brotherliness and Sisterliness of Faith – this post’s title is derived from a chapter in a book by Ian Hamilton “The Faith-Shaped Life.” The focus of Hamilton’s chapter is Christian love and grace. It struck a chord with me and initiated some personal reflection and examination. Hence the following thoughts, once again, are indebted to Ian Hamilton.
Hamilton begins by citing early Church Father Theophylact, who noted that Pilate and Herod, at least on one occasion, laid aside their differences and became friends (Luke: 23:12):
It is a matter of shame to Christians, that while the devil can persuade wicked men to lay aside their enmities in order to do harm, Christians cannot even keep up friendship in order to do good.
Thomas Brooks observed:
It is a natural thing for a wolf to worry a lamb; but it is a monstrous and unnatural thing for a lamb to worry another lamb.
Hamilton asks why we Christians find it so difficult to practise the sort of love Christ said would mark us as being his (John 13:35). He offers several reasons; one being that we’re too denominationally minded. We ungraciously bicker about our differences in matters which aren’t essential to salvation.
One example he cites is the baptism issue (sprinkling versus immersion). I’d slot eschatology in there as another big one. Hamilton then observes that the Word of God reminds him that there are no Presbyterians or Baptists (one can add more to that list) in heaven, only Christians. He notes that we ought to,
…cultivate that largeness of spirit which embraces all whom God in his grace embraces – unless of course, we are holier than God.
Another reason Hamilton suggests for our lack of generosity is “our tendency to major on doctrinal correctness.” Note that he’s a Reformed Amillennial Calvinist who often rubs shoulders with Reformed Dispensationalists. Yes, they do exist! He quickly adds that we must, of course, be concerned to defend the truth, practice and commend it. But to make his point he then cites A. A. Hodge:
Zeal for doctrine has in too many instances been narrow and prejudiced, mingled with the infirmities of personal pride and party spirit, and has hence led to the unnecessary divisions and alienations of those who were in reality one in faith…
Hamilton observes that we never hear of Christians being disciplined for lovelesssness, gossip, back-biting and envy. We can be “doctrinally on the ball” yet have cold, loveless hearts showing that we’re not true Christians (1 John 4:7-12, 20, 21). I felt an inner ouch when I read that.
He adds that it’s nothing short of scandalous how some Christians speak and write about other Christians. And then he recommends a daily reading of Galatians 5:22- 23.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Hamilton concludes by declaring that we need to look into each others faces and see Christ – “in other words, let’s be friends!”
Doctrine is important. However, I’ve mentioned many times that I have mixed feelings about discernment ministries in general. Too often they become platforms for witch hunts, gossip, mocking, reviling and virtue-signaling.
How often do we go to the “culprit” privately before we write attack pieces? Too often I see drive-by and careless attacks by Christians on other Christians (I’m including myself here). Let’s all remember to first love one another.
I’ll leave the last word to Michael Reeves who has suggested that before we criticize someone, we should pray for them.
Maranatha!
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