Christians disagree. All the time about all kinds of things, some of which have very serious implications and some of which do not. Sometimes Christians disagree badly, branding brothers and sisters wrongly as heretics and making a spectacle of the church before unbelievers. But sometimes, just occasionally, Christians manage to disagree well.

One example I always think of in this respect is the disagreement between John Wesley and George Whitefield. Their disagreement was profound and serious, yet their correspondence was conducted in courteous and humble tones and each took care not to disparage the other in public. This story illustrates something of that:

One day, after Whitefield's decease, John Wesley was timidly approached by one of the godly band of Christian sisters who had been brought under his influences and who loved both Whitefield and himself:

' Dear Mr. Wesley, may I ask you a question?'

' Yes, of course, madam, by all means.'

' But, dear Mr. Wesley, I am very much afraid what the answer will be.'

' Well, madam, let me hear your question, and then you will know my reply.'

At last, after not a little hesitation, the inquirer tremblingly asked, ' Dear Mr. Wesley, do you expect to see dear Mr. Whitefield in heaven?'

A lengthy pause followed, after which John Wesley replied with great seriousness, 'No, madam.'

His inquirer at once exclaimed, 'Ah, I was afraid you would say so.'

To which John Wesley added, with intense earnestness, ' Do not misunderstand me, madam; George Whitefield was so bright a star in the firmament of God's glory, and will stand so near the throne, that one like me, who am less than the least, will never catch a glimpse of him.'

There is a man who for all his faults, recognised a brother in Christ with such obvious love for the Lord and zeal for the lost, that despite their disagreements, he honoured and esteemed him. Maybe there's a lesson in here for all of us.

Story taken from this website.