Our Savior’s earnest prayer on the night of His betrayal was for the unity of those who would believe in Him through the word of His apostles (Jn. 17:20). He prayed that these might be one even as He and the Father are one so that the world might believe He had been sent by the Father” (vs. 21). The pursuit of unity in Christ is commanded throughout the New Testament (e.g. Rom. 12:18; Col. 3:14; Heb. 12:14). What does it mean, then, to speak “the truth in love…”? (Eph. 4:15). If “all things [are] done for edification…” (1 Cor. 14:26) and, if only such words as are “good for edification” come forth from our lips (Eph. 4:29), then where is the place for correction? Keep in mind that the same inspired writer told Timothy to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction” (2 Tim. 4:2). Biblical preaching both encourages and corrects. Reconstruction may require demolition before rebuilding on a proper foundation. Spiritually speaking, this requires both correction and encouragement.
Be careful of preaching designed to offend no one; for it is powerless to save anyone. When unity is abused as a deterrent to truth, we become “forgetful hearers” who deceive ourselves (Jas. 1:22-25). Union is not the same thing as unity. Unity is based on a common standard (1 Cor. 1:10; Jn. 12:48). Union is achieved by watering down our preaching so as to find common ground with those holding different views. But, in doing so, we lose our distinctiveness and cease to be “the light of the world” (Mt. 5:15); but a reflection of the world. But, God’s word is designed to set us apart in the direction of a distinctively different path (Jn. 17:17 cf. Mt. 7:13-14). For this reason, Jesus says, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Mt. 10:34). God’s word is the “living and active” sword – “the sword of the Spirit” (Heb. 4:12; Eph. 6:17). Let us lean upon its truth, obey its directives, and rest on its promises.
— Glen Elliott —