Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, men who were leaders among the believers. With them they sent the following letter: The apostles and elders, your brothers, To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia: Greetings. We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul— men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.

Good decisions after a debate (or even a manipulation of power with an argument) are best delivered with the following in mind:
1) Deliver them in person, where at all possible. This allows for ample questions and reflection, and for the words to be taken in the right context.
2) Deliver in a clear and concise manner.
3) Recognizing the past injury.

The church leadership met with cool heads and came to agreement on this issue. They took into consideration a) God’s Word, b) His actions among the Gentiles to give His Spirit and to call Peter to meet with Cornileus, and c) They considered the Fruit of the Spirit in developing these guidelines for the church.

How do churches develop loving instruction for unique circumstances that present themselves in our world? Leaders pray, study relevant truth in God’s word and consider how these rules will be received.

Unity involves listening to understand, seeking the heart of God, and providing instruction based on truth, justice, and love.

Lord, thank you for your heart to allow us to apply your principles in the Bible, through the guidance of your Spirit, into everyday life. May I seek your ways and your heart as I lead and serve!