The vast majority of the parables Jesus told arrive somewhere – that is, they have an ending, we know how they turn out. 

It matters that there were eyewitnesses, and that it was no secret who they were. 

Wait, just a little longer.  But we’re like children; “a little longer” feels like forever.

Yearning is defined as “longing” for something.  Some dictionaries add that it’s “persistent”, some describe it as “often melancholy”, some add “especially for something you cannot have”. 

God’s teachings are so often done via metaphor, and the harvest is a rich one.

When I was looking at the back cover of the July/August special issue, I was struck by a statement made on that page

At times when you dig into a subject thoroughly, you might come to a startling conclusion that does not align with what you were taught. What do you do with these revelations? How do you validate your conclusions?

It is important for us to remember the principles laid down in scripture for our guidance in scriptural disputes.

The Tidings October 2021 issue is dedicated to identifying and appreciating the Scriptural principles of godly disagreement.

How we deal with disagreement is crucial for the social well-being of our community, its unity, and reflects on the second great commandment, that we love one another as we love ourselves.

I thought I was sharing wisdom. I thought I was defending the Gospel message. In reality, I was a fool that only cared about my thoughts being heard. I failed to consider this person was also a member of God’s family that also derived their core values from the Bible.

There will inevitably be disagreements among us, even about how to live a godly life. There are two challenges for us in dealing with disagreement. The first is to discern how important the issue is. The second is to know how to conduct ourselves. There is plenty of guidance for us in the Scriptures but we can’t find much better than Romans 14:1- 15:7.