I have an old book in my library written by a pastor in 1886. The title is “Quit the Meanness.” The pastor was writing about the kind of life that pleases God. To be mean is to be unkind, malicious, or cruel. It is the opposite of an attitude a believer should possess. In this election cycle, I have seen some in the Church expressing a mean and condescending attitude against other believers who hold an opposing position about what is happening in our nation. While some of that is true, it should never dictate our behavior.

When we read Romans 13, we can see the chapter as instructions about how to live as good citizens obeying the government and paying our taxes. But Paul was addressing something much deeper.

Paul wrote, “Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law” (Romans 13:8).

Paul then listed some of God’s commandments and he said, “These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (vs. 9). Paul said to avoid the world’s sinful behavior, ^“Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ” (vs. 14).

When we have times of discord within the Church, Paul instructed us on how we should live in times of disagreement, “Don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong” (14:1). Arguing has never produced good fruit in the Church. It only supports our position and deepens our division.

Paul asked an important question, “Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord’s help, they will stand and receive his approval” (vs. 4). We have not been called to be the judge, jury, and executioner of opposing views. What is true will eventually work itself out and will display the will of God.

Paul adds a clarifying and sobering question, “So why do you condemn another believer^? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God” (vs. 10).

”So, let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall” (vs. 13). Condemning a fellow believer is an expression of a mean spirit. It desires to punish those with whom we disagree.

Paul closes Romans 14 with these words of clarification, “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up” (vs.17-19). It would add, even when we strongly disagree with another believer.

A mean spirit will bear no good fruit. Adopting that attitude and its tactics does not please the Lord because it is aiming at the wrong target. As difficult as it seems at times, we should always aim at harmony within the Church. This is especially important to do when we are constantly invited to express our opinions with a mean-spirited response that will divide the Church stripping away the peace and joy of the Lord that is supposed to define the people of God.