Agree to Disagree

by Fred Alcain on February 18, 2022

Scripture

"When the accusers stood up, they began bringing charges against him not of such crimes as I was expecting, but they simply had some points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about a dead man, Jesus, whom Paul asserted to be alive." (Acts 25:18-19)

Observation

As Festus relays his conundrum on what to do with Paul, he brings up a point of conflict that often is overlooked and not given enough attention.  When wronged by someone or something, my first motive is vengeance.  It’s to make sure the world knows of the error and the error comes with consequence.  

Festus basically states, “all these people want me to judge him, yet when they stated the problems they have with Paul it’s not exactly what I thought they’d be? I think they just don’t like him and the way he chooses to do things.  They just simply disagree with him.”

Yet a civil course of communication isn’t enough for most.  We want justice.  We want our belief system to be THE belief system.  If you’re not for us, you’re against us.  And the only proper action is punishment, in the people’s case against Paul, that meant imprisonment and death.

Application

As I take account of the conflicts I see around me, whether real or perceived, I see the same problems.  It’s no so much that one is against the other, but rather that one simply disagrees with the other.  Unfortunately, disagreement is often the basis for war.  

There’s only one action step I think I can take from this.  And that’s to not take offense so easily.  When I do that’s when I turn into the maniac that is out for blood.  Unity is not uniformity, but an opportunity to collaborate until there’s consensus.  Disagreements aren’t so bad and I believe there are civil ways to handle it, Christ-like ways to agree to disagree. 

  1. Love your enemies, bless those that persecute you. Matt. 5:4
  2. Esteem others better than myself. Phil. 2:3
  3. Love your neighbor as yourself. Matt. 22:39

Prayer

Jesus, may I never make a difference of opinion a basis for conflict or division.  Thank you for Your perfect example of love and grace.  May I take moments of disagreement as opportunities to display both, always choosing mercy over justice. Amen

About the Author

Fred Alcain

As the Extension Pastor at New Hope Oahu, Fred’s focus is on taking New Hope’s creative arts and musical presentations out into the community as the point of the spear of Evangelism.

On staff at New Hope since 2005, Fred also oversees and shepherds our Worship and Music teams alongside his wife, Jana. With Bachelor of Arts degrees in Music Education and Hawaiian Studies from The University of Hawaii at Manoa and a Professional Degree in Music Performance from the Los Angeles Music Academy, Fred also humbly serves on the Board of Directors at New Hope Christian School and 24/7 Danceforce.

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