Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

Being Agreeable When I Disagree

Posted on By jennifer

Agree to disagree used to be helpful.  Congenial, even.  Not simply acknowledging a difference of opinions but it came with the idea of “putting aside” those differences for the sake of unity.  For peaceful living.  What seems to motivate many (individuals, groups, whole camps) today is truly disagreeing.  Even if there’s common ground to be found, it is the disagreeing points that become the focus, the agenda and, often, where many find their identity. 

It can be draining.  For the non-confrontational ones, it can make you want to retreat and hibernate inside….much the same way these howling winter winds do!  What is a Christian to do?  Two (very quick) thoughts.


Ephesians 4:3   “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”   Where we are able…we need to be the influence for peace.  This atmosphere of constant division and disagreement – for the sake of argument – should not permeate our church, our Bible study, our fellowship groups and certainly not into our homes.  We can share different opinions and still love another.  We can get along and celebrate – focus on – common goals.  Especially in our homes, we often have the greatest influence to set the tone and mood.  Let’s create calm retreats from the bickering world around us!

Matthew 5:16a   “Let your light so shine before men…”  There are plenty of places where we have much less influence.  Nevertheless, we are called upon to be a reflection of Christ – to offer peace, love for others, patience and forbearance (even with those with whom we do not agree).  It is not always easy but we are to do our part to make a difference.  Ask God to help you shine before all those you interact with each day…and then recharge in the safe haven at home each evening!

These were my quick (five-minute) thoughts this morning on the prompt:  Agree.  Join the others at Five Minute Friday….and have a peace-filled weekend.

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Comments (6)

  1. We were thinking on similar lines today! It's so true that if we can love and respect those we disagree with it makes an impact for God as it reflects his light into a situation.

  2. Jennifer, I too was thinking along the same lines as you and you have said it so beautifully! It makes me sad to see that disagreeing loudly seems to have overtaken our world! Love your scripture inspiration! Great post, your almost neighbor at #fmf, Cindy

  4. Thank you, Jennifer, for your succinct explanation of what we are to do in a world, a culture that is constantly at odds. I know our work for the Lord is to spread the good news unto all the world, and that includes online. It comes at a cost, true, but we are called to be separate as well, to not be drawn to the unfruitful works of darkness. There is so much darkness out there, so much confusion. I'm glad Christ doesn't expect me to approach this world on moral or human relativism. I can see the truth as written in His word without doubting it's validity because He matters first and foremost. I don't have to live regretting whether someone likes me or not after I disagree with them. It's liberating to live in Christ because he breaks the chains of those in bondage to group-think. Thanks for this thoughtful piece!

  5. This connects so perfectly with what I wrote about, Jennifer — and thanks so much for coming to "my place" to read my post, too! "Calm retreats from the bickering world": I love that bit because such retreats are so essential. Yet also having the courage to speak out for justice in a redemptive way is essential too. Maybe we need to cultivate that inner quietness that isn't rocked by the world around us, so that we can speak from a place of real peace and truth.

  6. Great verses, Jennifer!

    There were a few nights during the 2016 election season when the conversation in my Bible study group got tense. I had to consistently remind myself (and then remind the people I was teaching) that we can disagree on how to solve issues and how to vote, but that we need to remember that we're family in Christ.

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