268 – We Don’t Agree, But I Love You

#faithbites #faithjourney Agree

In high school and college I remember having debates about religion, sex, politics, and pretty much any topic that went late into the night / morning. There were many times that I did not agree with the other person. It may have been a political stance on a religious topic or any conspiracy theory of the day. Keep in mind, I went to school with the OJ Chase, Clinton Impeachment, Princess Diana’s death, NAFTA, and more. So many things to disagree with. But I don’t remember one time when I got into a knockdown, drag out, screaming match where I thought the other person was devil spawn.

But unfortunately, that is not how today’s world is. And yes, there are many people who have these conversations still but it’s not what we hear. For instance, if you say you believe an accuser but want an investigation, you are a misogynist and should hang. If you believe in the accused, you are definitely ripe to be hung up. If you believe the accuser, you must hate the person being accused. How about you dislike a candidate, then you must think everyone in their party are demons. If you believe a police officer in a shooting you are a bigot. If you believe the victim, you are anti-cop.

Guess what? We can have a difference of opinion and still like each other. I can hate country music but see where some people like it and it has value. If you ask me what fruit I like and I say apples, if your response is you hate pears, then you are missing the point.

Scripture on Loving Through Differences

• You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. – Leviticus 19:18
• As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. – Romans 14:1
• Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; – James 1:19

Reflection

Listen, it is perfectly ok to be upset with someone who has a different opinion that you do. Hey, I love pineapple on a pizza but some think I am going to hell because of it. (Yes, that’s a joke).That was making light of serious issues going on. But, where is the love for one another? There are people who I can’t stand and wouldn’t have a pizza with them (Hawaiian or otherwise) but I don’t hate them. I don’t group them or think they are going to hell.

I hope that in scripture we can see that are to love our neighbors and not quarrel over opinions. At the same time we want to distance ourselves from some people, we need to not cast nets that we know not.

Charge

How do you act when you disagree with someone? When someone is wrong on an idea, a concept, or an action, how do you respond? Try to think about their action and why they are saying what they are saying? Perhaps saying nothing is the best solution in that time. Maybe, talking to them in private is a good way.

Lord, help me to understand those with differences of opinion that me. Help me to realize that they are still my brothers and sisters even if I can’t stand them. Help me to not be part of the tribal issues we have in our world.

P.S Picture selected by Cece.