Denominational Charity: Don't Quench the Spirit in Others

Christians fight about the Spirit's work more than almost anything else. Cessationists say the miraculous gifts ended with the apostles. Charismatics say the gifts are for today and if you're not experiencing them, you're missing out. Pentecostals emphasize tongues as evidence of Spirit baptism. Reformed traditions emphasize the Spirit's work in illuminating Scripture and applying redemption.

Here's what you need to hear: don't be the one who quenches the Spirit because you don't understand how He works in someone else.

Paul said: "Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:19–21).

If your brother or sister worships in ways that feel unfamiliar to you — if they raise their hands, if they pray in tongues, if they weep during worship, if they claim the Spirit gave them a specific word of encouragement — do not mock them. Do not dismiss them. Do not assume they're being manipulated or emotional or unbiblical. Test what they say against Scripture. If it contradicts God's Word, reject it. If it aligns with Scripture and produces the fruit of the Spirit, receive it. But don't quench the Spirit's work just because it doesn't fit your tradition or make you comfortable.

At the same time, if you're in a tradition that emphasizes miraculous gifts, do not despise those who worship more quietly, who approach Scripture with careful exegesis, who value theological precision. The Spirit works differently in different people, and diversity in the body is by design (1 Corinthians 12:12–27). Love them. Learn from them. Recognize that the same Spirit who empowers their gifts is producing fruit in their quieter, more measured faithfulness.

the enemy loves when Christians divide over secondary issues. he doesn't care which side you take as long as you're fighting each other instead of fighting him. So practice charity. Assume the best. Focus on what unites you — Christ crucified, risen, returning — and give grace on the rest.