Disagreement vs. Division

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

January 11th Sermon, Day 3

Not all conflict is created equal. There's a world of difference between a disagreement and a division, though we often treat them as the same thing. Understanding this distinction can transform how you navigate every difficult conversation in your life.

Disagreement says, "We see this differently." It acknowledges that two people can look at the same situation and come to different conclusions. It leaves room for respect, relationship, and even learning from each other. Division, on the other hand, says, "You're the enemy." It turns the other person into an opponent to be defeated rather than a fellow human being to be understood.

Jesus doesn't erase all our differences when we follow him. You'll still prefer different music, vote for different candidates, and have different opinions about countless topics. But he does redeem our relationships. He gives us a way to disagree without being disagreeable, to hold strong convictions without treating others as enemies.

This is liberating news! Being faithful to Jesus doesn't mean you have to avoid all disagreement or pretend you don't have strong opinions. It means refusing to let those differences destroy your relationships. It means remembering that the person across from you - whether in your living room or on your screen - is created in God's image, just like you.

The next time you find yourself in a heated discussion, pause and ask: Am I treating this as a disagreement or am I sliding into division? Am I trying to understand this person, or am I trying to defeat them? The answer to that question will determine whether the conversation builds bridges or burns them down.

Bible Verse

His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace - Ephesians 2:15

Reflection Question

Think of a recent disagreement you've had - were you treating the other person as someone to understand or someone to defeat?

Quote There's a difference between disagreement and division. Disagreement says that we see this differently. Division says you're the enemy.

Prayer

God, help me to see the difference between disagreement and division in my relationships. Give me the wisdom to hold my convictions firmly while treating others with love and respect. Help me to be a bridge-builder, not a wall-builder. Amen.