Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. (Romans 14:19) 

 

I remember hearing my dad talk about how difficult it was to walk away from unending arguments over differing interpretations of the Bible. By contrast he recalled how good it was when both sides agreed to disagree. 

 

But is it really possible to set aside irreconcilable differences when so much seems to be at stake? That’s one of the questions the apostle Paul answers in his New Testament letter to the Romans. Writing to readers caught in social, political, and religious conflict, he suggests ways of finding common ground even under the most polarized conditions (14:5–6). 

 

According to Paul, the way to agree to disagree is to recall that each of us will answer to the Lord not only for our opinions but also for how we treat one another in our differences (v. 10). 

 

Conditions of conflict can actually become occasions to remember that there are some things more important than our own ideas—even more than our interpretations of the Bible. All of us will answer for whether we have loved one another, and even our enemies, as Christ loved us. 

 

Now that I think of it, I remember that my dad used to talk about how good it is not just to agree to disagree but to do so with mutual love and respect. 

 

Father, please enable us to be patient and kind with those who don’t agree with us about anything or everything. Amen.  

 

This devotion blessed me because to often I feel we can so easily hold grudges and distance ourselves from making a difference in one’s life just because we disagree about one thing or another. If we would apply today’s lesson to our lives we just may be able to impact more for Christ and when the day comes to stand before God, He will be well pleased with how we chose to love instead of argue. Be patient and kind with those who don’t agree with you. We can agree to disagree—in love. 

 

Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 

 

Today’s Reading is Matthew 7:24