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BEFORE YOU SERVE THE STEAK, LEARN TO BREAK THE BREAD “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” —Acts 2:42 (KJV) Some Christians want to serve doctrinal “steak” before they have learned how to break bread with the brethren. They enjoy arguing difficult passages, correcting everyone’s theology, and proving that their position is right. They may possess knowledge, but knowledge without charity soon becomes pride. “And though I…understand all mysteries, and all knowledge…and have not charity, I am nothing.” —1 Corinthians 13:2 (KJV) Doctrine matters. Truth must never be compromised. But biblical doctrine should produce humility, fellowship, patience, and love—not arrogance, strife, and endless debate. The early church continued in both **doctrine and fellowship**. They knew the truth, but they also knew how to sit at the same table, pray together, bear one another’s burdens, and break bread as brethren. If your doctrine makes you too proud to fellowship with faithful brethren, you have not matured—you have merely become informed. Spiritual maturity is not demonstrated by how much truth you can argue, but by how faithfully you can speak “the truth in love.” Before you attempt to serve everyone doctrinal steak, make certain you have learned how to break bread with the brethren. Truth without charity becomes a weapon. Charity without truth becomes compromise. Biblical Christianity requires both.