Free To Disagree

During football games, we have an unwritten code that if you’re on the headsets, whether in the coaches’ box or on the sideline, it’s a safe place and you are free to say whatever you want to say. We can disagree with one another, float crazy ideas, and change our minds without recrimination. It’s not a time for idle chatter, of course, but it’s a circumstance where people can speak their minds without fear of insult or of someone holding a grudge against them the next day. We don’t always agree—and that’s a good thing—but the conversation will be healthy and helpful because different people analyze situations differently. You have your opinion, I have mine, and neither of us will hold it against the other person.

When you disagree with a coworker or friend or spouse or pastor, how do you handle it? With grace and understanding or with anger and bitterness? The productivity and harmony of your workplace or home will be directly affected by your response. And your witness may be impacted too; others may see you or Jesus in a different light if you can’t handle conflict.

His Promises

Don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.

Be obedient, always ready to do what is good. [You] must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, [you] should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.

So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.