Disagreements and Misunderstandings
I have noticed that hardly a day goes by without a disagreement or a misunderstanding. Is that just me, or does it happen to you, too? It seems obvious that we will not agree with everyone on everything all the time, so we will have disagreements. However, I am talking about those disagreements that cause anger or hard feelings. It is much the same with misunderstandings. It is easy to fail to understand something completely. However, many times the failure to understand leads to harsh words or severe frustration. Many times people are divided, not because there is an intent to hurt the other person, but because of a disagreement or a misunderstanding.
Why does it happen this way so often? I think it is the work of Satan and his demons. They know how to manipulate our flesh to get us angry with each other. They know our likes and dislikes. They know our attitudes and beliefs. They are constantly looking for a way to drive a wedge between people. They love to destroy friendships, marriages, and churches. All they have to do is to choose the right two people who are in the proper frame of mind. When an idea or belief is expressed, they skillfully tempt the person to react in the flesh, which causes the division. Sometimes, this method is effective in separating people who love each other or who really care for each other forever.
What can we do to stop this from happening? I am afraid it is not possible to stop it completely. Of course, we can do our best to prevent disagreements and misunderstandings from causing such problems by being careful to speak the truth in love and by being very clear about what we are saying. However, there is another thing we can do. We can be mature enough to love every other person with the love of Christ, even if we have a disagreement or a misunderstanding with them. This is especially true when the other person is another believer.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Numbers 12-14 and Mark 5:21-43.
Why does it happen this way so often? I think it is the work of Satan and his demons. They know how to manipulate our flesh to get us angry with each other. They know our likes and dislikes. They know our attitudes and beliefs. They are constantly looking for a way to drive a wedge between people. They love to destroy friendships, marriages, and churches. All they have to do is to choose the right two people who are in the proper frame of mind. When an idea or belief is expressed, they skillfully tempt the person to react in the flesh, which causes the division. Sometimes, this method is effective in separating people who love each other or who really care for each other forever.
What can we do to stop this from happening? I am afraid it is not possible to stop it completely. Of course, we can do our best to prevent disagreements and misunderstandings from causing such problems by being careful to speak the truth in love and by being very clear about what we are saying. However, there is another thing we can do. We can be mature enough to love every other person with the love of Christ, even if we have a disagreement or a misunderstanding with them. This is especially true when the other person is another believer.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Numbers 12-14 and Mark 5:21-43.