True Love

Nº 246

weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - April 18, 2023

To love to preach is one thing, to love those to whom we preach quite another. - Richard Cecil

A few weeks ago, I was in the audience for a remarkable debate. Two world-class New Testament scholars locked horns on their differing interpretations of Romans 7. Following the two arguments was challenging, but I thoroughly enjoyed listening to their scholarly dialogue and the well-reasoned dispute.

I tried to stay up with the discussion, but the content of both scholars was way above my pay grade. I was challenged to study more, but I was in no position to determine a winner or loser.

The scholarship aside, I came away with an amazing appreciation for how to hold a position with grace. Both men stated their positions not only with great passion, but also with great grace. Their desire was not to destroy the other person, but to share with the other what they deeply believed.

In Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples he said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35) He did not say we will prove our discipleship by winning arguments or being the smartest person in the room.

We should hold opinions with deep thought and biblical support. But we must hold them with love if we are to demonstrate true discipleship.

Dan Bolin

Author & President

Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc.