How to Disagree
Theme of the Week: Going Beyond 50/50
Wednesday, October 2
Key Bible Verse: So accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified (Romans 15:7). Bonus Reading: Colossians 3:12–15
Charlie Shedd wrote often about his wife, Martha, and their amazingly accepting marriage. One day they had a big argument, and it took some time to heal. The next morning, Charlie found this message on the table:
Dear Charlie:
I hate you.
Love, Martha
Assured of their undeviating acceptance of each other, they could laugh about their differences.
Accepting people doesn't mean agreeing with their ideas or behavior. Rather, accepting is affirming the infinite value of a person, no matter who she is or what he has done. Nothing is more devastating to love than a critical spirit. Jesus' most scathing attacks were directed at the critics because a critical spirit destroys relationships, and His kingdom is founded on relationships.
What's eternally significant is not whether we are right or wrong but how we relate to those we think are wrong. Jesus says, "If you love only those who love you [who agree with you], what good is that?" Lovers, pray with King David, "Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me."
—Chris Blake in Searching for a God to Love
My Response: I risk letting a critical spirit undermine our love in the area of …
Thought to Apply: When a man and a woman marry, they become one. Of course, they must decide which one; that's often where the storm starts. —Pierce Harris
Adapted from Searching for a God to Love (Word, 2000) by permission
Inspiration from www.christianitytoday.com
