Key Ideas
Faith Fact
We can solve disagreements with God’s help.
Faith Verse
Ephesians 4:3 (NLT)
Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
Question of the Day: What are some things to remember when we have disagreements with other believers?
Read about It
Read: Acts 15:12–20
Maybe you know this from your own life, but imagine how hard it would be to make a family decision if everyone was talking at the same time. Nothing would actually be decided, right? In today’s Scripture, the Jerusalem council of leaders listened quietly as Paul and Barnabas explained all the things they had seen God do and why they believed what they believed. Then others took their turn to talk. Everyone wanted the same thing—to do things the way God wanted them to and find the truth. That’s a good guide for us to remember when we disagree with other Christians.
All of us are growing in our relationship with God. As followers of Jesus, we should all want to see God’s plans happen. If we give others the opportunity to talk when we disagree, it will help us understand their point of view and allow us to come to a solution that honors God together. After all, no one is perfect, and we are trying to live for God.
Talk about It
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Question 1. What was everyone doing while Barnabas and Paul shared about what God was doing? Answer 1. Everyone listened quietly. (Acts 15:12)
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| Question 2. How did the Early Church come to a solution?
Answer 2. They listened to James, a godly leader, whom God used to help them come to a decision on what should be done. (Acts 15:13–20)
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| Question 3. Why should we give others the opportunity to talk when we have differences that lead to disagreements?
Answer 3. It will help us understand their point of view and allow us to come up with a solution together that honors God.
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| Question 4. How do you think God wants us to treat other believers when we don’t agree on something? Why?
Answer 4. Answers will vary.
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| Question 5. What are some things to remember when we have disagreements with other believers?
Answer 5. We can remember to do things the way God wants us to and to find the truth. Other answers may vary. |
Pray about It
Dear God, even when there are disagreements in the church, help us to treat each other with grace and respect. We ask for Your help and wisdom in helping us know what You want us to do. Amen.