The past two years everyone encountered conflict. That is unless you live under a rock. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in closures and shutdowns everywhere, not just locally but globally. Dramatic life change happened. People were divided. People were angry.

People for the most part do not like change. Change in every aspect of life was necessary and conflict on a variety of issues resulted. We experienced this even in our churches. Personal face-to-face contact was restricted and resolution was difficult if not impossible. 

Our Daily Bread is a devotional we read every morning at Breakfast. A recent reading included the following:

People were also divided in Paul’s day, though over different issues. Topics such as what foods were permissible to eat and what days were considered holy brought disagreement among the Christians in Rome. Despite being “fully convinced in their own mind” on whichever position they held. Paul reminds them of their common ground; living for Jesus (Romans 14:5-9). Instead of passing judgement on one another, he encouraged them to “do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (v 19).

In an era when many countries, churches and communities are divided over issues large and small, we can point to one another to the unifying trust of Christ’s work on the cross to secure our life with Him eternally. Paul’s reminder that we ought not “destroy the work of God” (v. 20) with our individual positions is as timely today as it was 2,000 years ago. Instead of passing judgement on one another, we can act in love and live in a way that honors our brothers and sisters.

THINK ABOUT IT QUESTION
When did a difference of opinion cause division between you and another believer? If you resolved your differences, how did you do it?

For further reading try Romans 14:13-23