Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. – 2 Corinthians 13:11

A popular saying over the past decade has been, “Can I get a whoop whoop?” This is a way of saying, “Tell me I’m right and you agree with me!” In today’s verse, Paul is encouraging agreement among believers. But what do you do when you are in the company of God’s people, and you disagree with the points of view or interpretations of a speaker or leader? 

The complicated days in which we are living seem defined by disagreement and discord, even among followers of Christ. The enemy would like to see the Church destroyed through division and disagreement. The Bible outlines what causes disagreements among believers. It may surprise you to learn that it is not about social issues or politics. James the apostle states that divisions and fights come from people’s hearts (James 1:26, 3:14). When a person needs to be right, seeks power and control, or tries to gain status, division is the natural result.

God knew that His people would be challenged by sin and disagreements when they gather in His name. In Matthew 18, the Lord outlines how to handle conflict in the church. The only effective tool for resolving disagreements is the gospel of Christ! When each heart is humbly submitted to the Savior, unity, not conformity, will reign and people interact graciously toward each other.

Dedicate yourself today to pursue unity in your family and in your church. Pray wisdom for citizens as they prepare to vote in the midterm elections and for harmony among the governing authorities in the United States. Ask that humble hearts dedicated to the Lord will speak up across the nation, bringing restoration and the peace of God to this land.