If we were able to say: ‘I disagree with you

“If we were able to say: ‘I disagree with you, but I agree with you on what is truly important, you are my brother and sister, and we will serve and worship together’ then we would model to the world a much needed picture of unity, and of Christ-like love.”

@timkellernyc from somewhere out there on social media

I don’t know where I pulled this from; sometimes I have a bunch of quotes without dates or context. But this seems like a real Tim Keller thing to say and I will continue to post things like this.

I’m not speaking about abuse or evil; I’m not saying we need to cozy up to detestable people or situations. What I am saying is that sometimes maybe the people we disagree with are still image bearers and deserve respect and understanding. I think too many times it’s easier to unite on what we disagree with instead on what is important. Any number of reaction video accounts in the Christian community alone would speak to that. Even digging through YouTube trying to find a picture of Keller not wearing a quarter zip or an open collar shirt with a jacket yielded so many “Keller is a heretic” or “Keller is apostate.” It’s disheartening.

I know why we don’t. It’s hard for sure, but the real reason is there’s no money or clout in unity. The talk shows and twitter accounts that say things like “he’s got a good point there” or “I disagree but it’s a valid argument” are washed away by the ones that declare “I’m on the side of good and he’s on the side of evil.” I don’t even think they believe it, but when your paycheck depends on disunity…

I don’t know the answers. But if the church can’t be counted on to model to the world what the face of unity looks like, who can?