WHEN WE DISAGREE: THE CHRIST-FIRST WAY

Disagreements are inevitable, even among those who sing the same hymns, read the same Scriptures, and call on the same Lord. Yet the gospel compels us to ask a deeper question—what will we do when we disagree? Will we respect one another’s mutual faith, remembering that “God has received him” (Romans 14:3)? Will we embrace one another as Christ has embraced us, not because we are perfectly aligned in thought, but because we are perfectly loved in Him (Romans 15:7)?

Disagreement becomes dangerous only when ego replaces grace—when we defend our rights more fiercely than we defend the brotherhood and sisterhood of humanity; when we clutch our opinions more tightly than we hold the cross.

The apostle Paul reminds us that love “does not seek its own” (1 Corinthians 13:5), and Jesus whispers again and again that the world will know we are His not by our accuracy, but by our love (John 13:35).

For in the great kingdom economy, God is not nearly as interested in who is “right” as in who is becoming Christlike. He cares about people—souls made in His image, hearts longing for grace, wanderers needing a Shepherd. He cares about men and women learning to walk in the gentle steps of Jesus and helping others do the same (Philippians 2:5).

When we choose stubbornness over unity, pride over peace, or winning over welcoming, we place stumbling blocks in the path of people coming to Christ (Romans 14:13).

But when we choose compassion over contention, service over status, and Jesus over everything—barriers fall, hearts open, and the fragrance of Christ fills the room. Our calling is not to build fences higher but to lift Jesus higher, for He alone draws all people to Himself (John 12:32).

So when disagreements come, as surely they will, let us remember that Christ has called us not simply to be correct—but to be kind; not merely to hold truth—but to hold one another; not only to proclaim the gospel—but to embody it.

Let us put Christ first, doing the things He has called us to do: loving deeply, forgiving freely, welcoming warmly, and living simply for the glory of God and the good of people. The world does not need more Christians who win arguments; it needs more Christians who remove obstacles so others can see Jesus clearly, walk toward Him freely, and rest in Him fully.

Lord Jesus, teach me to love as You love, to welcome as You welcome, and to hold truth with humility and grace. When disagreements arise, guard my heart from pride and guide my steps toward peace. Let nothing in my life become a barrier that keeps someone from finding You. Make me a bridge, not a wall; a servant, not a scorekeeper; a disciple who sees people the way You do. Amen.

BDD