The Spirit of Christian Unity | Rev. Brooke Hartman

Scripture - 2 Kings 10:15 & John 13:34-35

John Wesley saw the dangerous potential for Christians to defend their Christian (and denominational) beliefs in unchristian ways. He subscribed to the saying: “In the essentials unity. In the nonessentials liberty. In all things charity.”

 

John & Charles Wesley often debated George Whitfield on matters of predestination, grace, and justice. However, towards the end of their lives Charles wrote a letter to George in which he says, “We loved more when we knew less.” It’s our goal as Methodists to only let our knowledge increase our love never lessen it.

 

This is why as Methodists we hold to the historic orthodox Christian faith, believe in social principles which contain a consistent ethic of the sanctity of life which cuts across partisan politics, and believe the Holy Spirit is at work in Christians with theological and political beliefs different from our own.