Non-Essentials

Not everyone who goes to church has everything right.

No pastor or leader has every doctrine right

“In essentials unity; in non-essentials liberty; in all things love.”

Most Christians have heard this variation of the historical Christian motto.

It is a favorite of those that emphasize ecumenical love over doctrinal agreement.

I have never heard it used by someone while making a stand for Bible truth,

but always from those who would have us overlook doctrinal differences,

and give up pursuing doctrinal unity in the church.

what is essential

what is non-essential

There must be important truths held in agreement

the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tim 3:15; 1 Tim 2:4).

Can two walk together except they be agreed (Amos 3:3)?

Sound doctrine in all things is essential (2 Tim 2:7).

We ought to speak the truth in love (Eph 4:25).

the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who is able to teach us from the word of God rightly divided (1 Cor 2:10-13).