How To Stay United, Even When You Disagree
Have you ever found yourself in a heated disagreement with someone you care about? Maybe it was over politics, religion, or even something as simple as what movie to watch. Disagreements are a part of life, but they don't have to tear you apart. In fact, they can actually strengthen your relationships if you handle them well.
Here are some ways you can navigate disagreements while maintaining unity, inspired by Colossians 3:12-17.
The Power of Unity
You might wonder, why is unity so important? Unity is at the heart of God's desire for His followers. Psalm 133:1 NLT says, "How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!" Unity is not just a nice idea; it's a reflection of God's love and a testimony to the world. But let's be real—unity is not easy. It requires effort, patience, and a lot of grace.
Clothe Yourself with Love
In Colossians 3:12-17, Paul lays out a roadmap for maintaining unity. He says, "Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." These qualities help you navigate disagreements without losing your connection with others.
Tenderhearted Mercy: Be soft-hearted and compassionate.
Kindness: Treat others with respect and care.
Humility: Put others before yourself.
Gentleness: Be calm and considerate.
Patience: Be willing to endure discomfort for the sake of unity.
Make Allowance for Each Other's Faults
Paul also instructs you to "make allowance for each other's faults and forgive anyone who offends you." This means you need to create space for others' imperfections. No one is perfect, and everyone has their blind spots. By making allowance for each other's faults, you can maintain unity even when you disagree.
Lead with Love, Follow with Truth
Jesus came full of grace and truth, and you are called to do the same. When you lead with love, you create a safe space for honest conversations. You can then follow with truth, sharing your convictions in a way that builds up rather than tears down.
Unity is worth fighting for. It's not something you stumble into; it's something you must pursue intentionally. As you navigate disagreements, remember to clothe yourself with love, make allowance for each other's faults, and lead with love while following with truth.
So, what will you do this week to maintain unity in your relationships? Will you listen more actively, forgive more quickly, or maybe focus on what unites you with others? Remember, without taking these steps, you might miss out on the deeper connections God wants for you.