No Compromise, With Grace
by Commissioner Ralph Bukiewicz
As we look ahead to activities and events this fall, we know that many in our nation will choose to spend time in endless debates. Whether defending political candidates, discerning cultural trends, or defining biblical values, even Christ-followers are drawn into arguments that divide rather than unite.
God’s Word is clear in its standards on many current issues. When we discover these truths, we must always consider the methods we use to share our convictions.
These standards are never a reason to justify our “rightness” to others but to reflect God’s righteousness to a world that is lost, confused, and blinded. God’s Word encourages us to “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, NASB*).
As we “accurately handle the word of truth,” we must humbly recognize, with the Apostle Paul, that our message and preaching are “not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Corinthians 2:4). In other words, it is not we who convince, convict, or bring about a change of mind and heart. It is God’s Spirit alone.
We are not called to argue or to present truth in a judgmental or condemning manner. “The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:24–26). If we lack kindness, patience, gentleness, and graciousness in our message, it marginalizes those who are spiritually blind, pushes away those who are not mature in their faith, and divides the Church in ways that do not honor God.
It’s interesting to note that we do not determine whether our behavior is kind, patient, gentle, or gracious. Instead, those we interact with define our behavior. Even if we feel we are being kind, patient, gentle, and gracious, we’re fooling ourselves if others are not experiencing this from us. When others express concern about how we share His truth, it is time to stop and consider what must change.
The biblical models of upholding truth and resolving disagreements include spiritual discretion of when and what to speak, when to be quiet and listen—and how to handle God’s Word correctly. We are to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2). We must walk closely with God’s Spirit, discern His voice among many others, and use His fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) to communicate His truth.
As we live out His truth, our message and our methods should lead others to know we are His servants, subject to authority and accountable to others. Let’s stand firm on His inerrant Word while encircled by His banner of grace.
* Scripture verses are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).
