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When God's people are divided in opinion they should not come to an open rupture.

I. WHAT LENITY AND FORBEARANCE SHOULD DE USED.

1. There often are differences of opinion about lesser things in the Church, partly because of different degrees of light — all barks that sail to heaven draw not a like depth of water — and partly because of the remainders of corruption.

2. When differences arise we should take care they come not to open breach. This is the course Paul takes here. So should we, because the Church is in danger of being rent and destroyed (Galatians 5:15), because the world is scandalized (John 17:21), mutual means of edification hindered (Galatians 4:16), and the power of godliness lost.

3. To prevent this all lenity must be used. This I shall state(1) as to the matter of the strife. If we agree in substantials let us go by the same rule and mind the same thing.

(2) As to the persons contending there is a difference. Paul distinguishes between erring Christians and their factious guides (Philippians 3:2).

4. The forbearance itself is not out of necessity but voluntary choice and Christian compassion, knowing that we need as much from God and others. Nor is it a forbearance of policy, till we get opportunity to suppress others (Ephesians 4:2-3). There are four graces that enforce it.

(1)  Lowliness — a sense of personal infirmity.

(2)  Meekness (James 3:17).

(3)  Long suffering.

(4)  Love (1 Peter 4:8; 1 Corinthians 13:4, 7).

5. In this forbearance, both strong and weak have their part.

(1) What they are not to do.

(a) Not to leave the truth or do anything against it. Strings in tune must not be brought down to strings out of tune, but the reverse.

(b) Not to connive at sin or error (Leviticus 19:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:15).

(2) What they are to do.

(a) The strong are not to deal rigorously with the weak, but wait till God declare the truth unto them, and promote their conviction with all gentleness (Isaiah 40:11).

(b) The weak are not to rend and cut themselves off from the rest of Christians, or be strange to them on every lesser dissent, but to be teachable and lay aside obstinate prejudices, and examine into the cause of the difference; and leave room for the discovery of God's mind.

II. THE REASONS FOR THIS EXERCISE OF THIS LENITY AND FORBEARANCE.

1. From the necessity, excellency, and utility of union. What more clear in the Scriptures than that Christians should endeavour to be united. Christ prayed for it (John 17:21-23); Paul enforces it (Philippians 2:1-2); those that cause divisions are sternly cautioned (Romans 16:17-18); unity is pressed by the most cogent arguments (Ephesians 4:4-6).

2. From the consideration of our mutual frailties. Hebrews 5:2 should be verified in us (Galatians 6:1; Romans 14:1).

3. From the consideration of the probability of Divine illumination.

(1) This illumination comes from God only (Acts 16:4; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Let us, then, in meekness use the means and refer the issue to God (2 Timothy 2:25). If we force men before they are convinced it may only make hypocrites.

(2) This illumination is given by degrees (Mark 8:24-25).

(3) They who are not for the present may be afterwards instructed in the truth. The apostle proceeded in the hopes of that.

(a)  Upon the supposition that they were already converted (Philippians 1:6).

(b)  That they were humble and tractable (Psalm 25:9).

(c)  That they will not neglect any means of study and prayer (Proverbs 2:4; Psalm 119:18).

(d)  That they continue in the communion of the Church.

(e)  That they walk according to their light (John 7:17).

4. From the temper of those who are perfect. A grounded Christian bears with the infirmity of others and helps them.

III. CONSIDERATIONS HELPFUL TO THIS FORBEARANCE.

1. In how many things we agree, in how few we differ. There is a three-fold unity.

(1)  In mind (Romans 15:5-6).

(2)  In heart (Acts 4:32).

(3)  In scope (Romans 15:5-7; Jeremiah 32:39).

2. Take more notice of their graces than of their infirmities (Revelation 2:2, 5, 6).

3. Remember how open the enforcements to love and unity are, and in how much the grounds of separation lie in the dark and are doubtful.

4. Think of God's love and forbearance towards us.

5. This forbearance cannot be expected from others unless shown to others (James 3:2; Matthew 7:12; Matthew 18:28).

6. How dangerous it is to reject any whom Christ will own for His. Will Christ admit him, and you cast him out (Romans 14:3)?

7. As we must not give offence so we must not take it (1 Corinthians 13:5; Matthew 5:9).

8. Our endeavour for unity ought to be earnest and constant (Ephesians 4:3; 2 Corinthians 12:15).

(T. Manton, D. D.)

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KJV: Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

WEB: Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way. If in anything you think otherwise, God will also reveal that to you.