The Joy of the Journey
Agree to Disagree
We live in a world that, for the most part, has the mentality that true love is total acceptance, an agreement with what a person believes, says, or does. We must learn to agree to disagree. In the teachings of the Bible, there is a profound emphasis on the importance of love and compassion towards all individuals, regardless of their beliefs, lifestyle choices, or actions. While it is true that we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, this commandment does not imply that we must approve or agree with everything they do. Instead, it challenges us to cultivate a spirit of empathy, grace, and understanding towards others, even in the face of disagreements or differences.
The Bible clearly states that God’s love is unconditional and boundless. God offers all of humanity His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate this love in our interactions with others, showing kindness, patience, and respect to all, regardless of their choices or behaviors. This powerful love of God focuses onredemption, reconciliation, and healing.
At the same time, the Bible also teaches the importance of upholding moral integrity and righteousness in our own lives and relationships. While we are called to love our neighbors, we must stand firm in our faith and values, even when faced with conflicting worldviews or lifestyles. This tension between love and truth can be challenging to navigate, but it is necessary to liveout our beliefs with integrity and conviction. True love is not afraid to be truthful! However, truth is tricky in a world that wants approval above everything else.
One critical biblical principle that guides our approach to loving people while disagreeing with their choices is the concept of discernment. In the book of Proverbs, we are urged to seek wisdom, understanding, and insight to act with wisdom and humility in all our dealings with others. Discernment allows us to differentiate between right and wrong, good and evil, without succumbing to self-righteousness or condemnation.
Furthermore, the Bible highlights the importance of humility and grace in our interactions with others. The apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians, “ Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3). This verse reminds us that true love is characterized by selflessness; humility, and kindness, even towards those with whom we may disagree. We must never forget, “but God showed his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). Another way to put it is, while God was in disagreement with my choices and lifestyle, He chose to die for me! That, my friend, is a powerful thought and fact.
Ultimately, the Bible teaches us that love is the greatest commandment of all. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus declares, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). This profound declaration emphasizes the centrality of love in our faith, encouraging us to extend grace, compassion, and forgiveness to all, even those whose lifestyles or choices may differ.
In conclusion, the biblical perspective on loving people while disagreeing with their lifestyle choices is one of grace, humility, and discernment. By upholding the principles of love, truth, and integrity in our relationships with others, we can navigate the complexities of human interaction with compassion and wisdom. Learning to understand that by loving people, we are not stamping our approval on their lives or actions is one of the most significant and challenging things I believe a believer can do. I love to tell my congregation that Jesus loves you just the way that you are but he loves you too much to leave you that way. I am a work in progress, and so are you. May we strive to follow the example of Christ in all that we do, showing love and grace to all while upholding the values and principles of our faith with steadfast conviction.
