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“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” — 1 Corinthians 1:10, NIV
It may seem that arguments are everywhere, with disagreements about everything from what sports team is the best to political preferences. However, these disagreements need not destroy our peace or unity.
Rather than responding to disagreements in a negative way, we can, as members in the body of Christ, agree to disagree and respond with love when conflicts arise.
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” — Ephesians 4:1–3, NIV
Even within Christian circles, disagreements abound. However, we are called not to allow these things to divide us and tear us down. Rather, we are to “make every effort to keep the unity.” We do not have to give up our beliefs and opinions to keep unity in the church, but we should be willing to treat others with love and agree to disagree when necessary to keep the peace.
Sometimes we can fall into the trap of wanting to win or be right when disputes arise. However, we should not allow our appetite for winning to cause us to sin and act unlovingly towards others, as we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31).
The fact that someone does not share our opinions or beliefs does not give us permission to stop loving them or treat them with hostility. Especially within the Christian crowd, we need to remember that we have a common bond, the Holy Spirit and our faith in Jesus. Thus, we can sustain Christ-like unity in the church despite our differences.
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” — Hebrews 12:14, NIV
Maintaining peace with others outside the Christian circle is also extremely important. We do not have to compromise our own beliefs and point of view to agree to disagree or to agree not to argue, whether it be on social media, via text or even face to face.
Hebrews tells us to “make every effort to live in peace with everyone.” Is this always possible? No, peace depends on more than our own attempts, so the responsibility for it does not rest entirely on our shoulders, but we can do our part to live in harmony with others.
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