Finding unity through admitting when we’re wrong

Ray - North Beach Region

It had been a tendency of mine to just read some scriptures and not really think about it. It was sometimes easy to read and say “wow, that was crazy what they dealt with ...” and move on with my life. Acts 15 would have been one of those chapters/scriptures to easily gloss over in my mind. But now I try reading each scripture with the lens of, “how does this apply to my life” which entirely changes my perspective. This chapter showed me that sometimes you can be wrong, despite how strong your feelings are and by admitting your mistake, you can bring unity. Reading this chapter allowed me to truly see that “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, ...” (2 Timothy 3:16)

Acts 15 talks about a group of converted Pharisees of Christianity raising the belief that Gentiles must be circumcised to be saved based on the law of Moses. The opposing view was that the Gentiles are made right by faith alone. It was interesting to see both sides were passionate enough about what they thought/believed was right. It was a serious issue because it dealt with the salvation of others. Both sides had strong compelling arguments to support their reasoning.

Peter presented his side in verses 6-11. He was able to logically explain how God made no distinction between the Gentiles or converted Jews. God had acknowledged both by giving the gift of the Holy Spirit to them. If God did that for the Gentiles and they did not follow any of the Laws of Moses, then how can it be required to be saved. Peter went on to say the Jews were unable to hold to the Law so why hold the Gentiles to it. He was able to finish his rationale by saying “through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”

Peter spoke of God and Jesus in every sentence. He spoke without speaking from an emotional standpoint and did not use personal attacks. When I have a disagreement with another person, can I debate an issue without personal attacks or boldly speak of God in each sentence? So many of my past arguments, to my shame, did not mention God in any sentence. My sentences contained more finger-pointing, with sentences starting with “You did this...”, “You did that...”, and “Well you should have done this ...”.

The scriptures continue with Paul and Barnabas bolstering Peter’s assessment by testifying about God’s signs and wonders done through the Gentiles. During this time, the whole assembly was silent and listened to them, including the converted Pharisees. It was noteable to see that they had the maturity to sit silently and listen to an opposing view. I thought of how often my mind would always drown out any reason in a dispute because I felt I’m right no matter what anyone said. This train of thought would cause me to interrupt another person without listening. I could not be discerning about anything because I was constantly thinking of the next thing to say to refute anybody not supporting my side. But the assembly had listened silently, showing their willingness to have their mind’s changed, despite some strong differing beliefs. In the end, one side's minds were changed and there was a consensus among the disciples.

I must ask myself; can I have a humble, soft heart to silently listen and reflect on another person’s point of view in a disagreement? Am I like Peter, Paul, or Barnabas who can present a side of an argument that is bolstered with Godly testimony and scripture? Do I have a mindset that my mind can be changed? Can I be like the converted Pharisees, who mistakenly brought in a divisive world view to the kingdom, but listened and were able to concede? Can I die to my initial emotional response and my pride of self, for God’s kingdom and admit I’m wrong to bring unity?

Or is my mind made up and nothing can change it? Do I stick with espousing world views that I supposedly died to when I proclaimed, “Jesus is Lord”? Am I still willing to put myself first because I feel I am right? Am I willing to possibly sacrifice my salvation and endanger others' salvation to push my own and or the world’s opinion? Do alarm bells go off in my head if the world’s view agrees with my own? Does Jesus truly have the answer, or do I have the answer?

I must be conscious that the world pushes in on me every day and tries to pull me back in with seductive heart filled sentiments. It’s so tempting to echo these worldly sentiments with others because emotionally, it sounds right. I constantly remind myself; emotions often mask and drown out God’s truth. It’s always hard for me to admit when I’m wrong but it’s okay because I know my ways aren’t always right. I must always capitulate to God’s way, which is the only way.