Welcoming Friends who Disagree with Us

Canon Press

Steve Wilkins in his excellent book, Face to Face: Meditations on Friendship and Hospitality says about having friends with whom we may not always agree with theologically:

"If a believer were to surround himself only with those who agreed with on every particular of the faith, he would never grow in understanding. He would be "right" about everything, never knowing whether or not he held certain wrong or indefensible positions. Holy differences are means by which we grow in our understanding and discernment, clarifying and solidifying the understanding of our faith...Forbearance in these matters is essential. When this is lacking, it is impossible for biblical friendships to prosper. If you only want friends who will always agree with you, you will never have any true friends...We desire to learn the truth, and it is not helpful to avoid these differences. We must learn to see the good side of our differences." (p.85)



Have a blessed week, dear Friends,