In a world filled with diverse beliefs and ideologies, theological discussions are more prevalent than ever. Many of us who are theologically inclined often find ourselves immersed in deep conversations about doctrine, faith, and spirituality. We are quick to assert that “teaching sound doctrine is loving,” and indeed, it is an essential aspect of our faith. However, we must ask ourselves, is sound doctrine enough? Do our actions align with the love we profess?
It’s a challenging question to answer honestly. Sometimes, in our pursuit of theological correctness, we tend to forget the equally important aspect of practical love. We may be well-versed in Scripture and doctrine, but are we living out the love that those teachings promote? This issue becomes apparent when we step into certain theological spaces where practical love falls short.
I’ve had the privilege (or perhaps the challenge) of being in some of the most theologically “sound” spaces. These are places where doctrine is discussed, dissected, and defended with fervor. However, I’ve noticed that in some of these spaces, the practical love and compassion often leave much to be desired. There is a glaring discrepancy between what is professed and what is practiced.
In such environments, you might encounter a surprising lack of generosity, an undercurrent of anger, excessive criticism, and sadly, even instances of racism. It’s a disheartening paradox to see individuals so well-versed in theology display such unloving behavior. It forces us to question whether our theological correctness is genuinely indicative of our faith.
On the other hand, I’ve also ventured into less theologically driven spaces where the practical love and compassion were off the charts. These are environments where people may not engage in deep theological discussions, but they excel in demonstrating love through their actions. Their generosity knows no bounds, they extend kindness without judgment, and they embrace diversity with open arms.
It becomes clear that both theological depth and practical love have their rightful place within our faith journey. Instead of pitting them against each other, we should strive to integrate these two aspects harmoniously. We should remember Romans 12:10, which encourages us to “show family affection to one another with brotherly love” and to “outdo one another in showing honor.”
Practically speaking, this means that our theological knowledge should translate into acts of kindness and love. Instead of merely saying we love our neighbors, we should actively engage in acts of service and charity. Instead of condemning those with differing beliefs, we should seek understanding and open dialogue.
Likewise, those in less theologically driven spaces can benefit from a deeper understanding of doctrine and faith. It can help provide a strong foundation for their acts of love and compassion, guiding them in the principles of their faith and motivating them to continue their good work.
In conclusion, the relationship between theology and practical love is not one of opposition but of harmony. We should strive to be well-versed in our faith while also demonstrating genuine love and compassion in our actions. By learning from both sides of this spectrum, we can bridge the gap between theological correctness and practical love, creating a faith that is both sound in doctrine and rich in compassion. Let us aim to outdo one another in showing honor, as Romans 12:10 reminds us, and in doing so, we can truly beat the heretics at practical love.
