When Followers of Jesus Disagree
When we are walking in the direction of Jesus, we’re never on the path alone. Instead, we’re coming alongside a whole community of fellow followers of Jesus—across generations, cultures, and life stages. Like a band, we each come as individuals with different instruments. When we play together, all tuned to the same pitch, people around us get to experience a beautiful, layered, and united sound.
But what happens when we don’t agree? How do we help people follow Jesus when we have different opinions about how to follow Him well?
Thankfully, differences of opinion in how to follow Jesus are not new. In the early church, Paul the Apostle observed how many disciples of Jesus had different perspectives, especially with the unique blend of Jewish believers and Gentile Roman citizens now uniting to follow the same Christ. But even in their differences, Paul called them to a shared commonality: love.
“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” —Jesus, in John 13:35
So, how do you respond well when you disagree with other Christians?
Here’s a starting framework, inspired by Paul’s letter across Romans 14 and 15.
1. Dialogue. Don’t argue, for the sake of winning the argument. It’s okay to have different opinions. It’s not okay to be arrogant about yours. How have you seen relationships get lost when someone “wins”? When you’re tempted to ‘be the boss’ of others, how can you shift to ‘God is the boss of you’? How can we speak in love?
2. Remember God accepts everyone who chooses to follow Him with sincerity. It’s okay to honor God differently. It’s not okay to condemn others who honor God differently. How can we develop convictions, rooted in how God leads us in prayer and reading His Word, while trusting others’ hearts are also aimed in the direction of Jesus?
3. Be considerate of others. Live in harmony. It’s okay to live out your convictions. It’s not okay to damage others with them. How can we care for others in our community, to build up each other? While we don’t have to feel guilty for what is right for us, how can we love one another more than our own freedom?
Like theologian Rupertus Meldenius is known for saying: “In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, love.” The problem can come when we start to treat our opinions or preferences as an essential. Rather, may we choose to love one another.
“For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.” —Romans 14:16-19 (NLT)
May we be united in Jesus, honor others, and be willing to set our preferences aside, staying focused on the essentials of the gospel
PRAY
Lord God,
May You, who gives us patience and encouragement, help us live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. May all of us who follow You join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Dive Deeper
Take one step in the direction of Jesus this week.
Find 1 person, who does not share your opinions (or non-essentials). Take 2 deep breaths, and slow down intentionally. Ask 3 questions, to help you understand someone before you speak to make yourself more understood.
Commit to reading Scripture in community, not just by yourself. Ask God to show you who you can invite to be part of this regular rhythm together.
Watch this weekend’s message for more.