Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

None of us want to be wrong. When it seems that others hold a strong opinion which the Lord has not shared with you, respect the person for being firm. Too often we hold opinions lightly, easily tossed about by popular trends. If it is not a matter attached to salvation, what does it matter? Foundational truths about God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, their cause and will towards the reconciliation of man to God are the only things that matter.

There are so many thing for which clear answers are not given by God. Where He is not clear we must trust in God. As to man’s opinions, as long as he does not attach loss of salvation, grace or affection for God and each other, then it is not important enough to be an issue between brothers.

Man’s nature is to discover. Discovery is a great gift which can and should lead to enrichment of life. When its mysteries lead to hard feelings, they need to be put aside for the sake of fellowship. That is God’s will.

Philippians 2:14-15 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Leviticus 26:3 If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them;

Recently I made the comment that the word if is an opportunity. My basis of thinking is rather Old Testament. Condition blessing are extended to those who act upon the if. If you will, God will. The OT provisions of God were performance based.

The if offer was very black and white. I like the black and white, it helps me define the line, the clear contrast. Now we who live in the period of grace discover ourselves in an era of mercy and grace wherein God loves us no matter how iffy we get. The demarcation line seems to have been blurred.

John 14:15a If ye love me,

If is now an opportunity to demonstrate love. If one loves, do we not care about those things our love cares about? Being one, in love, do we not share the same passions and concerns? If we love do we not do things together?

The greatest part of being in love with Jesus is knowing His love is perfect, even if ours is not. His love is not conditional. We do not have to do anything to earn His love, we have it. We do get iffy. We are not perfect and that is part of the journey we make with our Lord and Savior.

Ephesians 3:17-19 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.