Conflict is an inevitable reality of life, even within the body of Christ. However, how you navigate that conflict reveals whether you are acting as a pagan or as a faithful disciple. You are not called to insist on your own rights, your own opinions, or your own way; you are called to love, which means prioritizing the good of your neighbor and the unity of the church above your own preferences. Love governs Christian liberty. Whether the issue is food, holiday traditions, or personal convictions, the two questions you must always ask are: Is it lawful, and is it profitable? Just because you have the freedom to do something does not mean it is wise or loving to do so when it causes a brother to stumble. If your exercise of freedom wounds the conscience of a weaker saint, you have failed to love your neighbor and, by extension, have sinned against Christ.
God has placed you in this fellowship to grow in maturity, and that means bearing with one another’s failings rather than seeking your own advantage. If you are strong in your faith and knowledge, remember that your strength was given to you by God, not for your own boasting, but so that you may serve and protect the weak. Do not be a tyrant of your own convictions, and do not be a crybaby when you encounter disagreements. Instead, cultivate thick skin, practice charity, and pursue full accord with your brothers and sisters. Look to the example of Christ, who emptied Himself and took the form of a servant. If you have this same mind—humbling yourself, counting others as more significant than yourself, and seeking the good of the whole body—then you will be an unshakable force that truly glorifies God and infects the world with the power of the gospel.
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