Be gracious in all you say and do because on the Day of Judgment when you stand before the Lord, your words and actions will acquit or condemn you. Given the fact that God created us all with free will, it stands to reason that no two Human Beings can agree on everything!
If they say they do, they are probably mishandling the truth.
Despite what you might think, it is healthy to disagree when we disagree in a manner that is helpful and leads to adding knowledge to your faith. Stop making excuses and accept the knowledge of truth, which says: “Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Ephesians 4:29, NLT).
Too often, people on opposite sides of an issue use loud and abusive language to insult and shut down a conversation.
However, when they do this, they not only shut down the conversation, but encourage the same behavior in others. Do not allow anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language to pass through your lips. A people who calls themselves “A Christian Nation” should be followers of the Way and the Truth. “So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another” (Romans 14:19, CSB).
Calmly agree to disagree and make your relationship better instead of bitter. We may think our way is the only way, but that could be another arrogant and prideful delusion of those who think they are sane.
We have it on good authority that “Pride leads to conflict”. (Proverbs 13:10, NLT).
God’s Word teaches us that we can avoid strife. Add self-control to your faith and disagreements will not become a battle of human wills.
So how do we keep our disagreements from causing us to sin and do evil?
First, we need to admit that none of us, no Human Being, has all the answers. So, let us all admit that “Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture” (1 Corinthians 13:9, NLT)!
Second, we need to be open to disagreement because people are watching and if what they see in the Christian Community is the same grumbling, selfishness, and discontent they see elsewhere; our testimony for the Lord’s Way and Truth is void and of no use to anyone.
Third, we need to understand that we also have it on good authority that “Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn't really know very much” (1 Corinthians 8:2, NLT). They are conceited and have an unhealthy interest in controversies that end in malicious talk.
God opposes the proud and a proud man’s spirit will be brought low; whereas a humble man’s spirit will attain honor from the Lord. Learn to be content regardless of circumstances; so, stay calm and agree to disagree.
Nettie Pennington is Associate Minister of Springfield Missionary Baptist Church. She is a faithful contributor to your Tate Record church page.
