Throughout history different parts of the Christian church have become fiercely divided around issues of thinking and practice. Arguably this has sometimes produced a necessary, life giving reformation and at other points it has developed in to an extremely destructive and unhealthy deception.
It is therefore helpful to be aware of the potential risks when we personally encounter differences of opinion within the Christian church today. When differences of opinion become apparent (either in private relationships or the public arena), there appears to be two extremes we can lean towards as we discern an appropriate response.
It is possible to think that your personal (or corporately held) opinion is the correct position and that you should therefore confront someone who holds a differing view or distance yourself from their practice.
Or
It is possible to think that you (and the church) should pursue peace and unity by seeking to embrace or remain silent on differences, rather than confronting or differentiating your positions.
The truth is probably found by recognising that both of these above responses can be healthy and good, however wisdom is required to know which is the appropriate response, when.
In the body of Christ, some matters of thinking and practice need to be confronted because they are sinful or heretical. To ignore these matters can lead to faith compromise and a quenching of the Holy Spirit amongst people.
What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
1 Corinthians 5:12-13
As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies.
1 Timothy 1:3-4
However, many matters of thinking and practice should rather be ignored because they are in the region of disputable matters. To confront these matters often distracts us from our mission, leading to unnecessary division and relational strain.
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.
Romans 14:1
It is always worthwhile discerning if an issue is in the region of disputable matters. If it is, then God can give the faith and wisdom to ignore the differences while continuing to foster the bond of unity. However, if the issue is an issue of sin or heresy, then God’s courage and wisdom will be required to confront and navigate the relationship with love.