Getting Doctrine Right: And Missing the Heart of Christ
Soundness includes both what we believe, how we live, and how we treat each other.
It’s possible to have all our doctrines straight and still miss the Spirit of Christ. That should really get our attention.
We can spend so much time defending our understanding of salvation, baptism, worship, or fellowship that we forget how we are supposed to be as followers of Jesus. Getting it right in our definitions of truth does not excuse getting it wrong in our treatment of people.
Paul reminds us that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). The same Spirit who inspired the truth also produces these qualities in our lives. If our defense of truth lacks these fruits, we are not being led by the Spirit whom we claim to honor.
Colossians 3:12-14 calls us to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience — to bear with and forgive one another. Ephesians 4:1-3 tells us to walk “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” These are not optional traits. They are the marks of those who truly know Christ.
We must not think that right doctrine can cover for wrong behavior. Honesty, humility, love, and purity of heart are not secondary matters. They are as essential as baptism, worship, or church organization.
Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 to “test all things; hold on to what is good.” Yes, we must guard sound doctrine. But soundness includes both what we believe, how we live, and how we treat each other.
Right after that, Paul adds another vital instruction: “And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). That one verse sums up the balance we often miss. We are to warn when necessary — yes — but also to comfort, help, and, above all, to be patient. The same gospel that calls us to correct error calls us to treat people with gentleness. Not everyone is at the same point of understanding or growth. True shepherds and teachers know when to challenge, when to console, and when simply to wait.
Truth without love becomes harsh. Love without truth becomes empty. Christ calls us to both.
If we want unity to mean anything, repentance must start with us—all of us, including me. We need to humble ourselves before the Lord, admit where pride has ruled our hearts, and return to the way of Christ — full of grace and truth. Only then will the world see that our doctrine truly reflects our Lord.
