These days we hear about new shortages almost every day, but we have more than enough things to disagree about- and not only with people outside the faith, but with our very own brothers and sisters in Christ. How should we be responding to people we disagree with? Is it more important to be gracious or to be right? Let’s start with a few Scriptures to see what the Bible has to say about it.
“We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.”
Ephesians 4.15 NLT
“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
“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
John 13.35 NLT
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Pray First
Before you even start a conversation about controversial subjects, go to God in prayer. Ask Him to lead you and to help you remember that each person you talk to is another image-bearer of God- another soul Jesus died for, and how you treat that person could point them towards or away from Him.
Even if there’s someone in your life who is antagonizing you for what you believe, pray. Remember this verse, “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” Matthew 5.44 NLT. It might sound hard- in fact, it’s impossible without the Holy Spirit- but it shows us what God wants our hearts and our actions to look like in tough situations.
Really Listen
If you’ve decided to have a conversation with someone who has expressed opinions or positions you disagree with, determine beforehand to really listen to understand their views instead of just trying to argue your point. Have you ever seen an argument on social media and thought, “what’s the point? Neither one of them is going to change their mind!”
A Note on Social Media Feuds
If you are prone to get into long, involved arguments on social media, I’d like you to ask yourself a few questions:
- What is your goal in getting involved in these conversations?
- Do you contribute to prove you’re right or to understand someone else’s perspective?
- Is this the best way to use your time?
- What would be a more effective way to have these conversations?
I wanted you to think through those questions in the hopes that you would see that while it’s necessary and Biblical to talk about the struggles we’re facing as a culture and to call believers to stand on the truth of the Word, fighting on social media is doing no good. In fact, it’s actively pushing people away from Christianity and further dividing believers. It’s much more effective to meet one on one or in small groups. God will put people in your life or in your path who can learn from you, and who you can learn from in return.
At the end of the day, we’re not all going to agree on everything, but we have to learn to show love to each other as believers in the One True God. Our love for each other will show the world the truth about God and our love for unbelievers will draw them to the kindness of Jesus.
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