I am seeing an increase in the differences of opinion on non-essential issues within the Church. It is causing greater levels of division. I am beginning to think these differences of opinion are part of God’s plan because He gave each of us free will to choose a differing opinion on a variety of subjects, none of which should divide us if we are one in Christ, not one in our opinions.

On a recent hike, I saw something in the forest that caught my attention. It was a piece of wood placed between two trees. Over the years the wood had grown into each tree trunk forming a bridge between them. It was so embedded in both trees that it became part of each tree joining them together in a mutually shared bond.

When Paul wrote to the Church in Colossae, he said that since God chose us to be His holy people, we must clothe ourselves with “tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (3:12). We are to make “allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you” (vs. 13). Paul also said we must never forget God forgave us so we should forgive others of anything we label as offensive to our current opinion. Paul said, “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony” (vs. 14).

Paul expressed a final point, “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” (vs. 15). 

What rules our hearts will determine how we relate to someone with a differing opinion. The peace of God is not a union of thought. It happens because Jesus is living within us and His presence will determine how we will respond to another person when a disagreement emerges.

God’s peace is only available to those who have chosen to have a reconciling heart. That choice will bring us peace when we allow others the freedom to make their choices on their unique journey of faith. We’ll never know if an opposing position that we oppose and fight against may become the very thing God will use to take us to a place where a deeper truth will be revealed.