Discretion

The apostle Paul wrote to the Romans: You know well enough from your own experience that there are some acts of so-called frredom that destroy freedom. Romans 6: 16 MSG

Burning a Quran is a constitutional right but such choices have preditable consequences. Less severe or radical but just as predictable is the building of a (constitutionally legitimate) mosque near ground zero.

Discretion might be a mask for cowardice but more often is a recognition that our role and decisions serve God's greater values and aims.

I remember a fellow who attended the church I was serving. He seemed to be quite knowledgable about scripture. I heard he had started a Bible study. He came to me (supposedly to acknowledge my ecclesial authority) and discussed his study. I told him that although the people he was attracting were not confident in their knowledge of scripture, I trusted their hearts and the Spirit to lead their discernment. One by one they came to me with concerns. I helped them reach good decisions for their families. After a few months this fellow had moved on. ... Six months later he was back.  He needed a place where his family was accepted. I told him that they were welcome but I expected real respect and deference to the beliefs of our church. He seemed relieved. It felt like grace.