Disagreeing without dividing

Disagreeing Without Dividing

In Colossians 3:13, Paul writes, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” This verse calls believers to a higher standard of unity—one that doesn’t depend on perfect agreement but on Christlike humility. Within the body of Christ, differences in opinion, personality, or perspective are inevitable. Yet Scripture reminds us that how we handle those differences reveals the maturity of our faith.

To “bear with one another” means to show patience and grace, choosing relationship over being right. Unity is not achieved by avoiding conflict, but by addressing it with forgiveness and understanding. When Christ is at the center, disagreements can actually strengthen the church rather than divide it. Our shared identity in Him must always be greater than any issue that separates us.

Disagreeing without dividing is not about silence—it’s about surrender. It’s the willingness to let love and forgiveness guide our responses so that the world sees a church marked not by argument, but by the peace of Christ ruling in our hearts.