It’s easy to feel that sense of belonging and camaraderie when you’re all agreeing, but why can’t we have that when we don’t agree about things, whether they be politically, spiritually, relationally or anything in between? Thanks for joining us for Wednesday’s Word with Kim-Evinda and Trench Classes United. My mind rewound to a couple days prior when a long-time friend and I were out in my backyard talking, and of course all that’s happening around us came up. Her and I are on different sides, so to speak, on several things, but the cool thing was, I listened to her; she listened to me, and there was no anger involved, no name calling, no hate. In fact, it was very fulfilling to be able to agree to disagree. Isaiah 1:18 says: “Come, let us reason together…” so let’s look at the word “reason.” In the Hebrew translation, it means “to explain, argue, substantiate, motivate.” I don’t know about you, but when I hear the word “argue,” my defenses go up. This holy-inspired scripture is not permission to argue with anger; however, I do believe that God gives us permission to agree to disagree with grace. That’s healthy arguing. How do I know that? So glad you asked. In 1st Peter 3:15, we’re instructed to give our answers with gentleness and respect. Respect does not mean you agree with them; in fact, to truly respect someone is to be okay with the differences, and when it comes to any moral issues, remember Who has the camera into the heart; you and I don’t! Don’t spend positive time on negative thoughts-meaning don’t spend time figuring out how you can win someone over to your opinion no matter what the situation; just take the time to appreciate the differences.
