Disagree but not Disagreeable- That's a Trick?

Why can't we all just along? Seems like a all too frequent question these days. If everyone could be just like me and you, wouldn't this be a better place? Sure seems like it most days.

What seems to separate us? Politics, for sure! Does a person have to be a republican to be a Christian? Is homeschooling better than public school? What does it look like to discipline kids? How should we spend extra money? Is it right or wrong to drink alcohol? Should a Christian work for a brewery? Should Christians have tat's? Is it ok to work on Sunday? Is a person who frequently drops the "F" bomb a Christian? I could go on, but you get the point?

It makes me feel better to know all through time these and other topics have divided people. In the church and outside of it.. So how can we disagree without being disagreeable?

From Paul's letter to his friends in Rome he mentions a couple things (read Romans 14 & 15 to see for yourself):

• Choose to be Peaceful rather than Critical - Romans 14:19 Look for ways to build people up instead of tearing them down! Don't destroy people over things that have no eternal value!
• Look to Please Jesus - He's the one you will answer to. Romans 14:7-8. The other person doesn't ultimately answer to you, they will answer to Jesus. So will you. So let's make it our goal to make Jesus happy with my choices and direction. Each one of us will give an account to Him v. 12
• If everyone you hang with thinks, talks and acts like you, you need to expand your circle. Stop being judge and jury Paul says in Romans 14:13. Just stop it! No more snide comments, eye rolls, gossiping to another.

Let's be Good Neighbors! Let's be the kind of people others want to hang with. Starting today!

See You Sunday friend!
Pastor Mike
PS - Join me in doing one kind act or giving one gracious compliment. Before the week ends. Just do it!

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