But as I've shared in the past, we must make an important distinction between the divisive person and someone who is simply wrong. In other words, holding an unorthodox view doesn't make a person a heretic or divisive.

Are unorthodox ideals a problem? Absolutely! But it's sowing division (with those unorthodox views) that's the real problem according to the Bible (Titus 3:10-11; Romans 16:17).

But the person who holds an unorthodox view is to be governed by something far more significant, Christian charity. Passages like James 1:5-6;

[Jas 1:5-6 NASB] 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

[Eph 4:2-6 NASB] 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 [There is] one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (this is one reason we have God's word)

[2Ti 3:16-17 NASB] 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

And Eph. 4:11-16 (4 or 5-fold ministry).

I can't stress how important this distinction is (those who hold unorthodox views and those who divide people). And here's why: it's hard work to preserve unity. It's no work at all to label someone a heretic and walk away. Truth is there's far too much of this going on in some circles of the Church today. And sadly it's not always over orthodoxy, many times it's over ill-informed traditions.