GRACE AMBASSADORS

How to Benefit from Disagreement

This originally appeared as an email delivered on
Saturday, August 31st, 2024.

Doctrinal disagreement with other believers is not comfortable.

It would be a much more peaceful experience to be likeminded with fellow members of the body of Christ.

This is one reason the Lord instructs us to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Nevertheless, when disagreements happen there can be benefits if you are looking in the right place.

For example, disagreement can identify the subjects that need more attention in Bible preaching and teaching.

Disagreement can provide opportunities for learning and strengthening areas that are weak in our understanding. Improvement and growth happen often after a disagreement.

Disagreement can help correct our own mistakes, challenge our false assumptions, and avoid groupthink. (The Bible calls this type of disagreement rebuke, reproof, and correction.) In this way, disagreement can keep us humble.

Disagreement can be good if we disagree with sin, widespread deception, wickedness, and worldly influence.

Disagreement can be an encouragement for others to stand with the truth when we take a bold stand against error.

Disagreement can show where heresies and errors are creeping into the church.

Disagreement can warn and protect the weak and innocent against wrong doctrine.

Disagreement can identify who are the faithful workmen when they stand on the side of truth in the midst of opposition (1 Cor 11:19).

Disagreement provides an opportunity to minister the word of God. Many of Paul’s epistles were written in response to some disagreement or contention within a church.

Disagreement can provide a lesson and pattern for the church when we resolve or respond to it with grace and truth.

Disagreement should not be something we pursue or seek out, but disagreement need not be something to hide, coverup, ignore, or cause embarrassment. With the right mind we can benefit from it. With the wrong heart, it can destroy (Gal 5:15).

If we try to avoid disagreement at all costs, we will not only miss out on its potential benefits, but it will end up costing us the truth. And that is something the church should agree to never give up.

For unity and peace,

Justin “agree to disagree” Johnson

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