Biblical Conviction vs. Personal Opinion

Author: Dave Jenkins
Show: Contending for the Word Q&A
Date: January 4, 2026

Show Summary

Today we’re talking about a question that touches the heart of Christian integrity: What is the difference between biblical conviction and personal opinion? In an age of social media arguments and hot takes, it’s easy to confuse our own preferences with biblical truth. In this episode, Dave Jenkins walks through key Scriptures to help you
discern what God has clearly commanded and where He has given freedom and room for wisdom.

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Key Scriptures

• Romans 14
• Acts 5:29
• 1 Corinthians 9:22
• Ephesians 4:15
• Romans 14:19

Episode Highlights

• The difference between convictions rooted in God’s Word and opinions rooted in preference.
• How Romans 14 helps us navigate disputable matters in the church.
• Why convictions produce courage while opinions require charity.
• How love and humility should shape both our convictions and our opinions.
• Practical counsel for standing firm where Scripture is clear and extending grace where it is silent.

Full Article

All right everybody, welcome back to the Contending for the Word Q&A podcast. I’m Dave Jenkins and today we’re answering a question that touches the heart of Christian integrity. It’s this: What is the difference between biblical conviction and personal opinion?

In an age of social media arguments and hot takes, it’s easy to confuse our own preferences with biblical truth. But if we are to be the people of God, we must learn to distinguish between what Scripture commands and what our conscience or culture merely prefers.

Throughout church history, Christians have sought to live according to their conviction’s beliefs shaped by clear biblical teaching and the Holy Spirit’s work in their hearts. However, not every issue is a matter of doctrine. Some things fall into the realm of personal judgment and wisdom. Romans 14 addresses this beautifully. Paul writes that some believers eat meat freely while others abstain. Each was to honor the Lord without condemning the other. The problem comes when we elevate personal opinions to the level of biblical authority, or conversely, treat clear biblical convictions as if they were optional. So what is the difference between biblical conviction and personal opinion?

First, biblical conviction is rooted in God’s revealed truth. A conviction is a belief that flows directly from the Word of God. It’s not based on preference or tradition, but on the authority of God’s Word. For example, the truth that Jesus is the only way to salvation is a conviction, and so is the belief that we must forgive each other and that
sexual purity matters. These aren’t opinions. They’re biblical commands. They bind our conscience because God has spoken clearly on them.

Second, personal opinion is a matter of wisdom or preference. Opinions come into play when Scripture allows freedom. Paul calls these “disputable matters” in Romans 14:1. This might include what style of music you prefer in worship, how you school your children, or whether you drink coffee before church or after. Personal opinions can be important let’s be clear, but they’re not authoritative. They’re not binding on our lives, and we should never
bind others’ consciences where God’s Word is silent.

Third, conviction produces courage; opinion requires charity. Convictions are worth standing for, even suffering for. Opinions are worth holding humbly. When Peter and John said, “We must obey God rather than men” in Acts 5:29, they were acting on biblical conviction. But when Paul chose to become all things to all people in 1 Corinthians 9:22, he was laying aside personal preference for the sake of the gospel. Mature believers know when to stand firm and when to submit in love.

Fourth, both must be guided by love and humility. Even in matters of conviction, truth must be spoken in love, according to Ephesians 4:15. In matters of opinion, love must govern our freedom, according to Romans 14:19. A biblical Christian isn’t just concerned with being right, but with being righteous—reflecting Christ’s character in all things. So, here’s why it matters for your life and mine. As Christians, we need to know the difference. We need to be clear on which beliefs are biblically commanded, and which are matters of wisdom.

Second, we need to hold convictions firmly. Where Scripture is clear, stand with courage and compassion.

Third, hold opinions humbly. Where Scripture is silent, extend grace to those who differ.

Lastly, keep Christ at the center. Our goal is not to win debates, but to reflect our Savior, King Jesus Christ.

Biblical conviction is anchored in the truth of God’s Word that cannot change. Personal opinion rests on judgments that can, and often should, adjust with wisdom. A healthy church and a mature Christian know how to distinguish between the two standing firm where God has spoken and showing charity where He has granted freedom.

May we be a people whose convictions are biblical, whose opinions are humble, and whose hearts are
ruled by Christ as revealed in the Word of God.

Takeaways & Reflection Questions

1. Where in your life might you be elevating personal preference to the level of biblical conviction?
2. Are there areas where Scripture is clear, but you’ve treated those truths as optional?
3. How can you grow in speaking the truth in love when you hold strong convictions?
4. What is one disputable matter where you can show greater charity toward other believers this week?

Call to Action

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