Some would have us believe that it is causing division and sowing discord to expose error (false doctrine) and those teaching and spreading it. We are told such is not "loving" or promoting the unity" for which Jesus prayed. However, nothing could be farther from the truth!

The most loving thing we can do for others is to help them not to fall into error by warning them of it or, if they have embraced it already, to help them see the error of their way.

Jesus warned of the error of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Read Matthew 23:13-33. Jesus continually warned those of his day saying, "But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites...Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?' Does that sound very loving to you? Jesus is our perfect example of love. He loved enough to warn and caution them of their soul being in danger of hell.

Are we to ignore Ephesians 5:11 which says, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them?" Would any dare accuse God of sowing discord and division in this verse? Notice that the command of God is not only to have 'no fellowship" with error, but also REPROVE THEM who are teaching it. Is it "unloving" to obey this verse? Those who do not obey, hate God and God's way!

What should we do with Romans 16:17'? "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them." Should we pretend this verse does not exist? Could not we be more pious and loving than the Lord and consider ourselves above such a distasteful obligation as this?

Some will admit we should not ignore false doctrine but should leave personalities out of it. However, that is not what God says. Notice in these two verses the words "reprove THEM," "mark THEM," "avoid THEM. " How will we know who to reprove mark and avoid unless they are identified?

There have always been those who oppose the Lord's way in desiring only "good things" be preached. In Isaiah 30:10 we read, "Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:" It would be nice to speak only of "smooth things" but such is not, nor has ever been, God's will.

We must be thankful for faithful men who, without fear, will speak the truth in love as God commands, and not be puppets of men.