In going through some past correspondence recently, I came across my reply to a Baptist brother who was dispirited by the less than charitable attitude of some in his fellowship toward both himself and his inclination toward a "Full Gospel" point of view. Herewith our answer to him; the essential points of which, I believe, can prove useful in addressing other areas of interest as well:
Dear Brother:
I appreciate your situation and trust you will not become bitter or allow yourself to reject what God has done in your life. Having myself spent many years in the ministry as a "Bapticostal," I recognize that with some it may not always be easy. Permit me, however, to offer the following suggestions:
1. Don't fight back. There are those who will in sincerity disagree with you, yet love you as a brother in the Lord. On many an occasion I have been thankful for, blessed by, and deeply indebted to such persons. As to those of a more negative response (and, unfortunately, you will find some of a less than desirable nature among Pentecostals and charismatics as well), it is yet our calling to be loving and Christlike.
2. Don't push the issue. You will not win anything by arguing. Peter underscores the principle of winning others by the spirit one demonstrates (I Pet. 3:1). Wives with unbelieving husbands are thus admonished to win them, not by nagging or arguing (indeed, "without a word" - not "the word" as per KJV), but by so demonstrating the love and character of Christ that the nonbelieving spouse will desire the reality thus manifested. The same principle will apply here.
3. Avoid attitudes of superiority. Spirit-filled and Spirit-led believers are called to serve, not to prove themselves. There has probably been as much harm done here as by all external opposition combined. Simply stated, few things become more contradictory than manifesting attitudes that violate the Spirit of Christ while purporting to advance the interests of the Spirit. This will likely apply to some who oppose you as well, but so be it.
4. Recognize that in Christ there is only one Body (Eph. 4:4-5). The enemy loves to divide. Days lie ahead in which all true believers shall much need one another. We thus do well to pursue the interests of such objective in our present spiritual pursuits.
As to the foregoing, there are those who will choose not to reciprocate. That is between them and God. Just love them anyway.
Burl Ratzsch
