I Want to Be in a Church Where People Don’t Agree on Everything

With the polarized battle lines being drawn everywhere we turn, it is sometimes hard to see how to move forward when so many people disagree on so many topics. Mask, or no mask? Vaccine, or no Vaccine? “I hate Trump!” or “I hate sleepy Joe Biden!” “All lives matter!” No, “Black Lives Matter!” Etc.

Social media posts, specifically comment sections, are dumpster fires that fan the flames of lousy communication. What is the way ahead in this jungle of narrative spinning and sensationalism to greener pastures of clear communication? I want to suggest that the answer is found in the tension that hard conversations bring. It makes us go back to the command of Jesus. He states, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

This article will cover three points that will help navigate a heated disagreement. First, we must make sure that we are speaking in love. Second, we must listen and then talk articulately about the topic of dispute. Thirdly, we will grow in humility when we are around others that disagree with us.    

1.      It makes us communicate what we believe in love.

When people that we genuinely care for disagree with us, and that means everyone alive, if you are a Christian, we should extend grace and speak with clarity, but a gentleness, because of Jesus’ transformative work in our life. No one can do this correctly every time, but when you need time, walk away, pray, and come back. I have had the privilege of being a part of many difficult conversations over the years. Though none were perfect, I have grown from everyone. These conversations have forced me to get better at articulating what I believe.         

2.      Other perspectives on either non-essential or divisive issues help us listen and articulate what we believe.

Listening is a dying art that I have written on and advocate for regularly. Asking questions for clarification forces others to bring out what they believe into the light for everyone to see. Sometimes it puts them into a position to see the absurdity of their belief, and sometimes, it helps the listener understand their point of view from a different perspective. Truth is the treasure that everyone wants to extract from every conversation that we have.

It is hard to leave a good conversation the same way because everything is done with a genuineness that forces change. Jesus says, “and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32. The objective truth of God’s word should be transformative to our lives. Sometimes, it is the tension in hard conversations that allow us to understand God’s overarching universal truth clearer. Sometimes my views have to change. Other times, the person I disagree with has to change.

There are times that division is the only answer because I refuse to leave from the foundational truth of God’s word. No matter what situation we find ourselves in, it should all be done with humility.    The rest of the content is for champion partners.