HOW BELIEVERS IN CHRIST MAY DIFFER AND OPPOSE EACH OTHER SHARPLY YET REMAIN ONE FAMILY OF GOD. Members of the family of God in Christ Jesus may deffer and oppose each other sharply but their differences are not like those in the world. Ours is to build and strengthen the church in love. Our differences are based on love.(Titus 1:13) (2 Timothy 2:19-26). Now, what do we learn from the Scripture: "Barnabas wanted to take John ...but Paul did not think it wise...they had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company....(Acts 15:36-41) Again, it says, "When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong" (Galatians 2:11-16). In another case, it says, "In the following directives, I have no praise for you , for your meetings do more harm than good....I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you.....No doubt, THERE HAVE TO BE DIFFERENCES AMONG YOU TO SHOW WHICH OF YOU HAVE GOD'S APPROVAL" (1 Corinthians 11:17-19) Again, it is written, "Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it, I see that my letter hurt you but only for a little while.....your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended so were not harmed by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death" (2 Corinthians 7:8-10). Now, everyone who stand for the Truth (The Word of God is the Truth) must speak the Truth and defend the Gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God, in preaching, teaching, correcting and REBUKING those who are going astray for the salvation of their souls and this is all in love.(2 Timothy 4:1-5) (Titus 2:11-15) (Revelation 3:19) (Galatians 4:16) (Philippians 1:7). We judge those in the church but God will judge those outside (1 Corinthians 5:9-13). That is why we are facing persecution because we do not only preach, correct, teach and REBUKE but we also defend the Truth and testify that what the world is doing is evil. This then attract persecution. So, no one who stand for the Truth will avoid persecution, it comes, whether you like it or not, because of our position with the Truth. As it is written, "The world can not hurt you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil " (John 7:7). But rejoice, VICTORY IS OURS, for the accuser, the devil, the author of evil, was defeated. For it is written, "They have overcame him by the blood of the Lamp and by the Word of their testimony" (Revelation 12:11). Let's pray: Holy Father, give us Understanding and Wisdom to understand that by faith we learn from each other and grow as one family until we reach one unity in faith in Christ Jesus. Father, give us Understanding that God disciplines those he accepts as sons. Rebuke is to warn and turn those going astray. For the goal of our faith is the salvation of our souls. In Jesus Christ name we pray Amen