Disagreement and Strong Love

Saints above, people below

Someone once said,

“To dwell in love with the saints above, oh that will be glory. But to dwell below with the people I know, well that’s a different story.”

These words might bring about a giggle, but also a sense of truth. Some people can be very difficult to get along with. But getting along with and even loving people is an essential part of who we are as Christians. Peter puts it so simply,

“Love your spiritual family.” (1 Peter 2:17, TM)

It’s about relationship

God’s kingdom is made up of different kinds of people who come together as His people—His family. Differences no longer separate, and we actually are to enjoy one another’s company. Yet, this would seem utopian when compared to the atmosphere often within the church.

Disagreements over doctrine, money, music styles, politics, etc. frequently cause havoc. Splits, church hopping, lone-rangerism, broken hearts and wounded souls are the results. However, the worse result of our inability to agree is how it robs us of our spiritual power. Jesus said,

“If any two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 18:19)

There’s power in agreement!

Satan knows that there is power in our being in agreement and therefore assaults our unity. Sadly, his scheme is done with such spiritual sounding phrases that many fall prey. Some examples would be…

“We agree to disagree”
“We’re on a different page”
“We don’t see eye to eye”
“We’re going a different direction”

These words don’t sound too brutal or heartbreaking, but they subtly divide and conquer.

Love so strong

“Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are My disciples.” (John 13:35, TLB)

This is love so strong that it proves we are God’s people. This is love so strong that it causes us to agree. And this is love so strong that it releases heaven’s power here on earth…among the people below.