Navigating Disagreements with Love and Unity
Summary
Being a Christian in the real world means navigating not only differences with those outside the faith, but also disagreements within the body of Christ. While the world often encourages us to retreat into echo chambers or to win arguments at all costs, the call of Jesus is radically different. The first and most important filter for any disagreement is not “Am I right?” but “Am I loving?” Knowledge is valuable, but it can easily lead to pride and division if not filtered through love. The New Testament repeatedly shows that love builds up, while knowledge alone can puff us up and separate us from one another.
Disagreements among Christians are not new; they are woven throughout the story of the early church. The Bible gives us wisdom for handling these moments, not with a one-size-fits-all answer, but with discernment and humility. Some disagreements are matters of conscience—areas where Scripture is not explicit, and where we must respect one another’s convictions. In these cases, unity is preserved not by demanding uniformity, but by welcoming one another and refusing to quarrel over opinions.
Other disagreements stem from personal conviction or a unique calling from the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, what God asks of one person or church may not make sense to others, and that’s okay. The right response is to seek the Lord’s will and not impose our own expectations on others’ callings. There are also times when both sides of a disagreement hold valid, biblical perspectives. God can use even sharp disagreements for good, as seen in the parting of Paul and Barnabas, which led to greater ministry impact.
Yet, there are moments when correction is necessary—especially when the truth of the gospel or the unity of the church is at stake. Even then, correction must be done with humility, care, and a heart to build up, not tear down. The guiding questions become: Am I speaking out of pride or love? Is this a matter of truth or opinion? Will my words build up or tear down? Am I protecting unity or promoting division? Will this issue cause others to stumble or the gospel to be misunderstood?
Ultimately, the Spirit of God must guide us in these moments. Disagreement does not have to divide us; it can refine us if we approach it with humility, discernment, and Christlike love. The world should see in us not perfect agreement, but a supernatural unity and love that points to Jesus.
Key Takeaways
- Love must be the primary filter in all disagreements, even when we are convinced we are right. Knowledge alone can lead to pride, but love builds up and reflects the character of Christ to others. Before seeking to be right, we must ask if we are being loving and edifying in our approach. [07:24]
- Not every issue is essential or clear-cut in Scripture; many disagreements are matters of conscience or Christian liberty. In these gray areas, we are called to respect one another’s convictions and avoid imposing our personal standards where God’s Word is not explicit. Welcoming one another in disputable matters is a powerful witness to the world. [22:05]
- Sometimes, disagreement arises from a unique calling or conviction from the Holy Spirit. What God asks of one person or community may not be understood by others, and that’s not necessarily defiance but discernment. In these cases, the right response is to seek God’s will together and trust His leading, even when it challenges our comfort or expectations. [29:10]
- There are disagreements where both sides hold valid, biblical perspectives, and God can use even painful divisions for His purposes. Recognizing that not all conflicts are about right versus wrong frees us to appreciate the diversity of gifts, callings, and emphases within the body of Christ. God’s redemptive work often emerges from our differences when we remain open to His leading. [34:28]
- Correction among believers is sometimes necessary, especially when the gospel or the unity of the church is at stake. However, correction must be done with humility, care, and a genuine desire to build up rather than tear down. The questions we ask ourselves—about our motives, the nature of the issue, and the impact on others—help ensure that our words and actions reflect Christ’s love and truth. [40:03]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:38] - Recap: Engaging Different Worldviews
[05:48] - The Meat Sacrificed to Idols Controversy
[07:24] - Knowledge vs. Love: Paul’s Principle
[10:46] - The Limits of Human Knowledge
[12:36] - Letting Love Filter Our Knowledge
[14:00] - Types of Disagreements Among Christians
[15:56] - Matters of Conscience and Christian Liberty
[18:37] - Respecting Diverse Backgrounds in the Church
[22:05] - Disputable Matters and Welcoming One Another
[26:31] - Disagreement from Holy Spirit Conviction
[29:10] - When God’s Call Doesn’t Make Sense
[32:11] - When Both Sides Are Right
[34:28] - Embracing Diversity in the Body
[40:03] - Correction and Confrontation Among Believers
[43:30] - Questions for Discernment in Disagreement
[47:26] - Influence, Stumbling Blocks, and Unity
[48:06] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Navigating Disagreement in the Body of Christ
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### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 (ESV)
> Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.
2. Romans 14:1-4 (ESV)
> As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
3. Acts 15:36-41 (ESV)
> And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
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### Observation Questions
1. In 1 Corinthians 8:1-3, what does Paul say is the difference between knowledge and love? How does he say each one affects the church?
2. According to Romans 14:1-4, how are believers supposed to treat each other when they have different convictions about disputable matters?
3. In Acts 15:36-41, what happened between Paul and Barnabas, and what was the result of their disagreement?
4. The sermon mentioned that not every disagreement is about right and wrong, and sometimes both sides can be “right.” What example from the early church was given to show this? [[34:28]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul warns that “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up”? How can knowledge become a problem in Christian disagreements? [[07:24]]
2. The sermon talked about “matters of conscience” and “Christian liberty.” How can respecting someone else’s conscience help preserve unity in the church? [[22:05]]
3. When Paul and Barnabas disagreed and went separate ways, how did God use that situation for good? What does this teach us about conflict among believers? [[34:28]]
4. The sermon described times when correction is necessary, especially when the gospel or unity is at stake. What are some ways to tell if a disagreement needs correction or just acceptance? [[40:03]]
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### Application Questions
1. Think about a recent disagreement you had with another Christian. Was your first instinct to prove you were right, or to be loving? How might your approach have changed if you filtered your response through love first? [[07:24]]
2. Are there any “gray areas” or matters of conscience where you tend to judge others or feel judged? How can you practice welcoming others instead of quarreling over opinions? [[22:05]]
3. Have you ever felt called by God to do something that didn’t make sense to others, even other Christians? How did you handle their concerns, and what did you learn from that experience? [[29:10]]
4. Is there a disagreement in your life right now where both sides might have a valid, biblical perspective? How can you appreciate the diversity of gifts and callings in the body of Christ, even when you don’t agree? [[34:28]]
5. When you feel the need to correct another believer, what steps can you take to make sure your words are motivated by humility and a desire to build up, not tear down? [[40:03]]
6. The sermon gave some questions to ask ourselves in disagreement: Am I speaking out of pride or love? Is this a matter of truth or opinion? Will my words build up or tear down? Am I protecting unity or promoting division? Will this cause others to stumble or the gospel to be misunderstood? Which of these questions do you find most challenging, and why? [[43:30]]
7. What is one practical way you can show supernatural unity and love in your relationships with other Christians this week, especially when you disagree? [[48:06]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God for humility, discernment, and Christlike love as you navigate disagreements, so that your words and actions build up the body and point others to Jesus.
Devotional
Day 1: Let Love Be the Filter Over Knowledge
True Christian maturity is not measured by how much we know or how right we are, but by how we love and build others up, especially in the midst of disagreement. Knowledge, while valuable, can easily lead to pride and division if it is not filtered through genuine love for others. The first question we must ask ourselves in any conflict is not, “Am I right?” but, “Am I loving?” When we let love lead, our words and actions edify rather than wound, and our relationships reflect the heart of Christ to a watching world. [07:24]
1 Corinthians 8:1-3 (ESV)
"Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that 'all of us possess knowledge.' This 'knowledge' puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God."
Reflection: Think of a recent disagreement—did you focus more on being right or on loving the other person? How could you let love lead in your next conversation?
Day 2: Respecting Conscience and Christian Liberty
Not every issue among believers is essential or clear-cut; many disagreements are matters of personal conscience, shaped by our backgrounds and experiences. In these gray areas, we are called to welcome one another and respect each other’s convictions, rather than imposing our own standards or judging others. When we honor the conscience of others, we create a community where unity is preserved even in diversity, and where each person can grow in faith without fear of condemnation. [18:37]
Romans 14:1-4 (ESV)
"As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand."
Reflection: Is there a “gray area” where you’ve been tempted to judge another believer? How can you show respect for their conscience this week?
Day 3: Discerning the Holy Spirit’s Unique Call
Sometimes disagreements arise not from right or wrong, but from God’s unique calling or conviction for an individual or a church. The Holy Spirit may lead one person to a path that others do not understand or would not choose themselves. In these moments, it is vital to seek discernment, to listen well, and to release our own preferences, trusting that God’s will is being worked out in ways we may not fully grasp. Our role is to support one another in faith, even when the journey looks different than our own. [29:10]
Acts 21:11-14 (ESV)
"And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, 'Thus says the Holy Spirit, "This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles."' When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, 'What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.' And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, 'Let the will of the Lord be done.'"
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who feels called to something you don’t understand? How can you encourage them to follow God’s leading, even if it’s different from your own expectations?
Day 4: Sometimes Both Sides Have Valid Perspectives
Not all disagreements are about right versus wrong; often, both sides hold valid, biblical perspectives shaped by their experiences and callings. God can use even sharp disagreements to further His purposes, as seen in the lives of Paul and Barnabas, whose parting led to greater ministry impact. Instead of insisting on uniformity, we are called to respect and learn from one another, trusting that God can redeem our differences for His glory and the good of His church. [34:28]
Acts 15:36-41 (ESV)
"And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, 'Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.' Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when a disagreement led to unexpected growth or blessing? How might God be inviting you to see the value in another’s perspective today?
Day 5: Correction Must Be Guided by Love and Humility
There are times when love requires us to speak truth and offer correction, especially when the gospel or the well-being of others is at stake. However, correction among believers must always be done with humility, care, and a desire to build up rather than tear down. Before speaking, we must examine our motives, ensuring that we are led by the Spirit and not by pride or personal preference. In this way, even difficult conversations can become opportunities for growth, unity, and deeper reflection of Christ’s love. [40:03]
Galatians 2:11-14 (ESV)
"But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, 'If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?'"
Reflection: Is there a situation where you need to lovingly speak truth to a fellow believer? How can you ensure your words are guided by humility and a desire to build them up?
Quotes
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