Words By Mara

Getting into a disagreement with another Christian can often be more frustrating than the initial issue or problem itself. It’s okay to disagree and to share different perspectives, but it’s the way that we choose to handle it that matters the most.

I’ve seen it happen and have been in the midst of some rather ugly disagreements between Christian brothers and sisters. I’m guilty of resorting to the typical defense mechanisms too.

So what do these “fights” look like?

Let’s say a situation arises and someone has openly committed sins against another person. Christians expect others to forgive and move on, because we’re Christians and that’s what we’re supposed to do, right?

Yes, that is true. However, the problem occurs when the “sinner” is unrepentant in their actions. If the person continues to openly commit sins and doesn’t appear to have remorse, then it becomes tricky.

While one person continues to reach out and help the other person to find repentance… others might see it as “forgiveness fraud”. Finger pointing begins and soon there are Christian fighting words being thrown around.

“I’ll pray for you to find God’s peace”

“Forgive and move on”

“You should really read the bible more”

“You should read this passage”

“My passage is better than yours”

These words can often be used and meant to hurt one another – rather than used to help and uplift one another.  Like I said, I am guilty of doing this too.

It can really become more frustrating than the problem itself. So what is the answer to resolve it?

The answer is love. It’s the answer in every book of the bible and it’s the reason for the life and death of Jesus. It’s really that simple.

God loves us so much that He sacrificed His own Son to save the sins of the world. I’ve been a Christian most of my life and that concept still blows my mind. God LOVES us!

We should do all things and say all things in love. If others cannot see it that way, respond to them with love and grace. It’s not always easy but it’s what God calls us to do.

Let’s put an end to the slandering, name-calling, assumptions and unloving behavior towards one another. Scripture is not meant to hurt, it’s meant to heal. It teaches love and wisdom.

Let us be an example and show love for one another – just as Christ showed His love for us.

According to 1 Peter 3:8-9, “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”

Copyright 2013 Words By Mara. All rights reserved.
* Original artwork in image by Mara Rose.