The internet can be a brutal place. Some days, the Christian blogosphere feels more like the Roman Colosseum than Athen’s Mars Hill, a gladiatorial circus where Christian Soldiers wield sharp words against their brothers and sisters in Christ, pitting the strength of their platforms to character assassination.

I’m quite certain Satan (whose very name means “The Accuser”) is sitting up in the Emperor’s Box, enjoying the show. If we destroy one another, it makes his job a whole lot easier.

While there are many people with whom I disagree about a good many things (how’s that for a universally-applicable statement!), I feel very strongly that we are called to build people up, not tear them down. So while I will sometimes engage with ideas and teachings that I disagree with, I will not post angry rants about individuals, particularly if those individuals happen to be Christian leaders.

So what if they have different ideas about life, theology, relationships, politics? If their ministries are drawing some people closer to Jesus, I join Paul in rejoicing that the gospel is preached (Phillipians 1:18). In those areas where we disagree? I will extend the same grace I would like to receive. After all, we’re only human, and all of us are bound to get some things wrong.

Sure, there is a time and place for confrontation. But I’m pretty sure it’s not on my little ol’ blog.

It should go without saying that I hold the comments on this blog to the same merciful standard. I am committed to making this space a safe, nurturing community that builds people up, instead of tearing them down, a place where prostitutes and Pharisees can enjoy table fellowship, by virtue of the fact that it’s the same bread and wine that nourishes us all. Any comments that do not support that goal will be promptly and unapologetically deleted. If you can’t refrain from fighting at the table, you can eat in your bedroom, until you’re ready to stop bickering with your brothers and sisters.

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other… Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. -Galatians 5:13-15, 26