While I agree completely with your statement that we must not tolerate false doctrine, the WORD cautions that we confront this falsity with correction that has conviction without anger, correction without judgment and re-direction with encouragement and love.
I believe that in the name of "correct doctrine" many have become contentious, argumentative, and mean spirited resulting in the loss of brethren and bad witness. I believe that the Word urges us to contend for the faith with the love of Christ in our hearts so that our example is an example of Christ's love.
While I agree that we should not attack, belittle, or harshly rebuke anyone without also showing them support, love, and tenderness, John The Baptist and Christ Himself often confronted hypocrisy and false doctrine in anger. And the Lord was certainly angry when he cleared the Temple.
This isn't to say I advocate screaming at someone who say, insists that the Trinity is false. But I do say, counter them with scripture and a sound argument (yes,
argument - it's not a dirty word). Lol.
I don't believe for a moment that John for instance, or Paul would sit still while someone was promoting bad theology. They would counter with Biblical truth. To some folks using a little common sense to determine correct doctrine is being "argumentative". And they don't want you to do it. They insist we've no right to judge (which isn't Biblical, as they apply it - John 7:24 admonishes us to ''judge righteous judgment'' ), and feel that we should water down our rebuke of aberrant theology and sinful lifestyles. Speak softly and carrier a wet noodle, I call it.
But in my heart, I think the Lord was closer to Teddy Roosevelt. Speak softly and carry a big stick. Because sometimes a brother or a sister comes along and nothing but a proverbial "whack" with a Bible will help them see things clearly. I know
I needed that. Of course, I don't insist we physically assault anyone, or even raise our voices at them. But we must present the truth forcefully at times, and drive home the points the Lord would want us to make. If I love my brother or sister, I can do no less than make a maximum effort to bring them the truth of God's Word. If not, what will I say to them on Judgment day when they convict me with a stare and ask me why I allowed them to continue with beliefs or a lack of belief when I knew it would lead to death? Do I say,
"Well, I'm awfully sorry about that. But, you see, I didn't want you mad at me. And I didn't want anyone to say I was grumpy, or being argumentative. I just sort of hoped that by smiling and putting an arm around you and backing off our talks whenever things became a little too contentious, that you'd eventually figure it all out for yourself. I sure am sorry to hear the Lord say he never knew you."
I feel that "love" is becoming a subtle cover-up word for ecumenism, which is a reduction of all faith and belief to the lowest common denominator and is in opposition to the gospel. It's also being used to deflect our responsibility to attend to matters of bad theology ourselves.
Just because a father corrects his son or rebukes him that errs, that does not mean he doesn't love him. It means quite the opposite when done Biblically. Because I do care, because I do love you, I am going to pull at the stops when it comes to helping you come to a fuller understanding of the scriptures and God's plan for your life. As I hope others would do (and have done) for me.
