Grace, Truth, and the One Gospel: Disagreeing Without Disrespecting
A Biblical Framework for Doctrinal Clarity and Christlike Conduct
Introduction: Why This Overview Is Necessary
In our time of deep theological confusion and cultural polarization, those who publicly contend for the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ will often be misunderstood. You may rest assured that I, among many others who contend for the faith, receive my share of criticism and hostile feedback. A disagreement over doctrine is frequently interpreted as personal hostility. Conversely, efforts to remain respectful and gracious are sometimes taken as weakness or compromise.
As a follower of Jesus, I want to make this clear from the outset: I harbor no ill will toward individuals who adhere to different doctrinal systems such as Roman Catholicism or the New Apostolic Reformation, as but two of numerous distortations of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Nor do I harbor any ill will towards those who follow a different path or no path at all. My concern lies not with people, but rather with the teachings that deviate from the expressed truth revealed in God’s Holy Word.
This overview seeks to help clarify the distinction between respectfully critiquing doctrine and personally attacking individuals—and to do so with a heart firmly rooted in the exclusive truth of the Gospel, as revealed in Scripture.
Common Misconceptions About Disagreement
“If you disagree with my beliefs, you must dislike me.”
“Correcting doctrine is judgmental and unloving.”
On the contrary, Scripture calls us to both judge rightly (John 7:24) and to restore gently (Galatians 6:1). If someone were walking toward danger, love would warn them.
“All Christian traditions are just different expressions of the same Gospel.”
While sincere believers may differ on secondary matters, not all gospels are the same. Paul warned about those preaching “another Jesus” and “a different gospel” (2 Corinthians 11:4; Galatians 1:6–9). These are not alternate expressions—they are distortions.
The Gospel’s Exclusive Claim: Why This Matters
We must never lose sight of the fact that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is exclusive—not by human arrogance, but by divine revelation.
“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:12 (NASB)
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.’” – John 14:6 (NASB)
This truth leaves no room for doctrinal neutrality. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism (Ephesians 4:5), and one foundation upon which the Church is built (1 Corinthians 3:11). Any message that adds to, subtracts from, or alters the Gospel is a different gospel—and Scripture gives no tolerance for it. (Galatians 1:8-9)
This is why defending the Gospel is not optional—it is a biblical mandate, and it must be done both boldly AND compassionately.
The Validity and Responsibility of Contending for the Faith
“Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all time handed down to the saints.” – Jude 1:3 (NASB)
Paul’s letters are filled with exhortations to guard sound doctrine (1 Timothy 6:3–4), expose false teaching (Titus 1:9–11), and speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). The early Church did not treat doctrinal errors lightly—and neither should we.
Yet the way we contend is just as important as what we contend for.
“But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect.” – 1 Peter 3:15 (NASB)
How to Disagree Without Disrespecting
Guard Your Heart Before You Speak
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander be removed from you, along with all malice.” – Ephesians 4:31 (NASB)
Our motives must reflect the character of Christ—never driven by pride or a desire to “win,” but by love for the truth and for the other person.Address the Teaching, Not the Person
“We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God…” – 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NASB)
We oppose ideas that contradict God’s Word—not the people who hold them.Speak With Grace, Even Under Fire
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1 (NASB)
“Do not repay evil for evil or insult for insult, but give a blessing instead…” – 1 Peter 3:9 (NASB)
Our tone, demeanor, and responses should reflect the meekness of Christ—even when we are mocked, misrepresented, or mistreated.Clarify Your Intentions and Posture
Stating your motives early—such as love for God’s truth and love for the individual—can help avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and soften hearts.
Clarity and Conviction Must Never Be Compromised
Our kindness should never be mistaken for compromise. The biblical mandate is not to simply be polite—it is ALSO to be faithful.
“If I have the gift of prophecy and know all mysteries and all knowledge … but do not have love, I am nothing.” – 1 Corinthians 13:2 (NASB)
“My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and someone turns him back, he knows that the one who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death…” – James 5:19–20 (NASB)
We must hold fast to the exclusive and sufficient Gospel of Jesus Christ, while also embodying the compassion, patience, and humility of our Savior.
Final Exhortation: Truth in Love, Love in Truth
As we engage in conversations about doctrine—whether addressing Roman Catholicism, the New Apostolic Reformation, or any belief or non-belief system—we must remember: our goal is not to win arguments, but to reflect Christ and call people to Him.
We are not JUST proclaimers of truth, but ALSO witnesses of God’s mercy. And we must never place ourselves above others, remembering that we are all in need of grace.
“Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Your speech must always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” – Colossians 4:5–6 (NASB)
In short, we must walk the narrow path of grace and truth, courage and compassion, faithfulness and love. That is how Jesus walked—and by His Spirit, that is how we are called to walk too.
Closing Summary: The Narrow Path and Our Dependence on Christ
Walking the narrow path of grace and truth is never easy. It challenges us not only in our conversations with others but deep within our own hearts. We wrestle with our natural inclinations—our pride, our desire to be right, our longing for approval, and even at times our fear of confrontation. And on top of this, we often find ourselves struggling to understand the full counsel of God’s Holy Word with the clarity and humility it requires.
Discerning when to speak and when to be silent, when to engage and when to walk away, demands wisdom beyond our own. There are times—after much prayer and careful effort—when the most faithful step is to entrust the matter to God and step back. It is not always necessary to have the last word, sometimes what has preceded or transpired before hand speaks for itself. Jesus Himself withdrew from hardened hearts (John 8:59; Matthew 13:58), and we are not above our Master.
Yet through all of it, one truth remains foundational:
“Apart from Me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5 (NASB)
This journey cannot be traveled in our own strength. Our words, our tone, our discernment, our endurance—all must be bathed in prayer, led by the Holy Spirit, and shaped by the character of Christ.
So we pray. We pray for those we speak to. We pray for our own hearts to remain soft and faithful. And we pray that in all things, the name of Jesus would be exalted, the Gospel clearly proclaimed, and the fruit of the Spirit made visible in how we contend for the faith.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5–6 (NASB)
May we walk this narrow road with both conviction and compassion, leaning not on ourselves, but wholly on Christ—who is not only the truth we proclaim, but the strength by which we proclaim it.
From one sheep in God’s sheepfold to another.
Respectfully submitted for your consideration.
Worthy is the Lamb! Blessings!