This year there will be no shortage of strong opinions about what is best for the SBC.

Pastors who affirm the same doctrinal statement will not affirm each others views regarding the state of our seminaries, the benefit of the ERLC, and Resolution 9.

These pastors will be co-labors cooperating in the same local and state associations.

I have my own strong opinions about what is best for our convention. I'm excited about some nominations and uneasy about others.

At every step, I believe it so important to seriously take heed to Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 13:7, "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

This means no matter how uneasy I feel about a nominee or proposal, I'll try to assume the best of those who support them.

Therefore, I resolve to assume pure motives by those whom I disagree.

I resolve to understand their concerns and trust they come from a sincere conviction, no matter how I misguided I believe those concerns to be.

Finally, I resolve to cultivate the art of persuasion. To aim to change someone's mind rather than participate in petty tactics that would require repentance.

Why?

We're better together.