On the Equality of Opinions

Verses:

James 1:19: Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.

Proverbs 16:20: Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good,

and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.

Proverbs 10:17: Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life,

but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.

Thoughts: 

I’d like to interact with an idea that is prevalent today: The idea of equality. Specifically, the equality of opinions. We often hear this line of argument: We have free speech and everyone can say their opinion. We must give all opinions an equal voice and weight. And most importantly, don’t loudly disagree.

Do you see what happens with that line of argument? It is a slippery slope. Yes, everyone has a right to state their opinion. But this doesn’t mean that every opinion is equally true, and definitely doesn’t mean there should be no debate. The voicing of opinions is important so that we can debate. Not in a loud, gross, mean way, but in a way that actually seeks the truth.

We are to love others and hear them out, but remain grounded in God’s word. Giving ear to one’s thoughts does not mean that you should give every opinion the same weight of truth. Respect the person, but do not “validate” a false truth claim. 

When thinking about the equality of opinions, there are two opposite ends of the spectrum of people: Someone who is “accepting” of everyone's opinion, and people who can’t stand hearing anyone else’s opinion.

And funnily enough, the latter is often masked by the former. I’d like to focus today specifically on the exhibition of the former because this one slips under the radar much more easily. 

Take, for example, the idea that every religion is acceptable. Everyone has a right to their opinion and we can all peacefully coexist. But, we can only coexist if you don’t try to say your religion is truer (to use their words) and our's is false. We need to just be quiet about our differences, and that’s how we get along.

The creeping problem is when everyone gets “comfortable” with their differences and ignores that there is actual truth or the reality that someone is wrong. It’s too easy to start thinking: Well, it doesn’t really matter what everyone believes so long as we get along. 

But, dear friend, the point of our relationships is not to just “get along.” If it was, love would be easy. But it’s not. It’s hard and sometimes bloody. If we do follow Jesus, we will in some ways cause division (Luke 12:51-35).

The simple fact of the matter is that if some of these “opinions” are true, then we simply cannot peacefully coexist. The Bible clearly shows there is only one God, one truth, and one way to life eternal (1 Tim. 2:5; John 14:6). 

Yes, we want to include people but never to sacrifice truth. We need to learn to speak the truth in love, understanding that those around us are living souls going to one of two places.

Summary: The idea of the equality of opinions, the equal hearing of thoughts, not disregarding any because of the person/status, does not mean every opinion is TRUE. We have to lovingly, respectfully offer our apologetic defense of the hope that is in us (1 Pet. 3:15).

Ask Yourself: What opinions do I give a truth value to? Do I think less of one’s thoughts because of who they are? Do I interact lovingly with people I disagree with? Am I seeking to love everyone as made in the image of God?

#30

23 Jan 2026