Introduction: Dealing and resolving disagreements is inevitable. Parenting, marriages, and even friendships have conflict. How should we resolve our disagreements?

Today’s devotion offers a few suggestions. This is certainly not exhaustive due to space. Yet, hopefully it will help some who read it.

1. We must understand that we see things differently at times! (Rom. 14:1-9) – “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.” 

The Church of Rome was comprised of both Jews and Gentiles, which included different backgrounds, convictions, and goals. Therefore, conflict was bound to happen.  And so it is with relationships today. 

2. We must not be quick to judge or criticize each other! (Rom. 14:10-12) – “But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” 

When our idea or way is not accepted, then it is easy to become critical and judgmental.

3. We can become a stumbling block and not realize it! (Rom. 14:13) – “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” 

Our attitude and actions – reaction can present a stumbling block to others. In turn, others trip and fall instead of being lifted up. 

4. We need to give others room to grow! (Rom. 14:1-3) – “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.” 

Everyone is not at the same level in their walk with Jesus. Be sensitive to that. Be patient with them. Let the Holy Spirit work in them. Help facilitate the growth process. God will be glorified.

Conclusion: While this is in a Church setting, these principles can be personalized in friendships and marriage, as well as parenting.

Think about where you have conflict. How should it be resolved? Look back over these points and pray about where you are and what our Lord would have you to do.