Love and Doctrine

In Christianity, there is a tension between two viewpoints. Some say love is the most important thing in Christianity. Rick Warren has said we will not be judged by our doctrinal stands, but whether or not we love. Others say that Christians should believe in the fundamentals of the faith. What does the Bible say?

Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:3 that part of Timothy's mandate is to charge certain people not to teach any false doctrine. Timothy was to make sure that the leaders in the church didn't preach any doctrine contrary to what is taught. Paul wrote Galatians because false teachers were trying to mix Jewish law with Gentiles and force it onto the Gentiles. The epistle was to correct doctrine. 1 and 2 Corinthians dealt with several doctrinal issues. 2 Peter 2:1 warns of false prophets who bring in destructive heresies. Doctrine is clearly important.

Love is also very important. Jesus said that the love of God and the love of neighbors is the most important commands in the Old Testament law. 1 Corinthians 13 dealt with love. Prophecy, tongues and knowledge will all pass but love endures. Paul also said that faith, hope and love are all important, but love is the greatest. John says that if you do not love your brothers you are not saved. Love is vital to a true believer.

What is more important, love or doctrine? I don't think that you can measure which one is more important. I think they are both equally important. I don't think you can sacrifice one for another. Both are essential. No where is there more evidence than in the epistle of 1 John. The book stresses the importance of love and holding onto right doctrine.

We err when we focus on doctrine at the exclusion of love. We equally err when we focus on love to the exclusion of right doctrine. Those who say that doctrine divides and love unites are wrong. Yes doctrine divides, but that's a good thing. it divides true doctrine from false doctrine. It divides true Christians from false ones. It does divide and it should. Love does not mean tolerance of everyone. Christians have not always loved as they should. We should love everyone in the truth.