Is love more important than doctrine? I think the answer is yes and no. Lest anyone think that I have gone “soft” on biblical doctrine, or rejected the cannon of Scripture, let me reassure you that none of that has happened. However, I still pose the question, “Is love more important than doctrine?” Maybe I should phrase the question this way, “Does your doctrine get in the way of you showing love?” Now, maybe you’re more comfortable, maybe not. But let’s proceed. If you were to ask well-intended, fundamental Christians the latter question, I’m afraid that a few might stumble over their creedal feet to come up with a “pleasant” answer. Many times, our preconceived ideas of the value of doctrine can get in the way of us seeing and even loving other people. If their sexual orientation is different from us, we might squirm rather than minister to them. If someone dressed in clothes that appeared to come from the back of a punk-rock van rather than Boscovs (or least K-Mart), we might cast our olfactory projectile (nose!) into the stratosphere rather than carry on a relaxing conversation. If we met someone who owned or ran an xxx rated book store, we might hyperventilate right on the spot…rather than invite them to your house for some coffee. And so the list could go on; just pick your favorite hang-up. But now, consider this: there are at least two noted biblical characters that might cause you to rethink your response to those you find less than desirable. The first is Jesus. When asked what was the greatest commandment (i.e., OT law), He responded, “You shall love the Lord your God…and your neighbor as yourself.” And when He really got upset with a particular local church, He told them that though their doctrine was fine, their love was not! His words: “You have left your first love.” The other biblical character is Paul. His assessment of this issue? The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. And this from the “apostle of grace!” So, love your neighbor and any of your contacts, because you never know who might be Jesus’ next disciple.