…better to be wronged and forgive…

Something all brothers in Christ must remember is that, no matter what, we should always remember we must show Mercy, forgiveness and understanding to one another. I am not saying we should overlook grave error, Sins that are deadly. No, but Jesus does say that we must forgive to be forgiven, and there was no qualifier on His statement.
Paul did show we must hold to the truth over friendship. but is it not far far better to be wronged by a brother and forgive than split over what are unnecessary arguments?
If you have a brother that is arguing with you, over what they consider to be an essential, but you know is not, then it is your place to forgive with Mercy. After all, you may just be the one in the wrong in the end.

I gotta have my rights!

I have been down this foolish road of needing to be right over being loving and I have, and many around me have, paid dearly for my pride. I thank God I had someone wise enough to knock some sense back into my head.
There are some leaders in the body of Christ that actually are defaming one another over matters they know to be unessential to Salvation! Details are unnecessary, as these arguments are childish and bring glory to no one.
And yes, some do think these disagreements are over essential doctrines (those required for Salvation); I believe they are being foolish to think so. But others who should know better, who are actually claiming the disagreement is over non-essentials, yet still are continuing in their character assassination of another they claim to love as a Brother in Christ!

I just don’t see that option in Scripture.

If you find a brother in Christ is in grave error, however, that believe what is clearly heresy, then I think (me, not the LORD, but I think I do have Christ in this), then I say, you are to Pray for them, long and hard. Then speak with them gently, approaching the matter with all kindness and understanding, knowing that, but for God’s Mercy, you also would be just as confused.

Do you think you understand better because you are better than your Brother?

Pride is a killer of many friendships, don’t let it be named among you. But, if you cannot forgive, and true forgiveness is exemplified in never treating them any differently than before they trespassed against you, and I say this to your shame (you know who you are) then, at least, don’t consume one another!
Jesus calls you to live in peace with all men, as much as it depends upon you. Defamation of a Brother you know is in an error in a non-essential is, without a doubt, utterly self destructive and foolish… never mind the lousy witness you present for Christ’s Name.

Brothers, LOVE one another.
If you cannot love one another then I think you’d better consider WHOSE you are after all.

Patrick Burwell
OnlyJesusSaves.com Ministries