[Ohio-Communities-of-Faith] "People Over Opinions"- Brenda Walsh Ministries Daily Devotion

Tue Sep 7 04:32:26 UTC 2021

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People Over Opinions
Usually people are attracted to others who share their same ideas, think the way they think, and have similar interests. But what happens when differences of opinion cause contention between friends and family? If you don’t share the same point of view on politics, religion, or life values in general, all of a sudden there’s friction. People who were once your best friends are now at odds. Even family members have been bitterly separated because of differences of opinion. The world today has become even more divisive than ever. Everyone has strong opinions about everything, such as which political party is better, whether or not to get vaccinated, whether or not to wear a mask, and the benefits of attending church in person opposed to watching church online? No matter which side of the issue you’re on, if you can’t put aside your differences, you may suffer permanent loss of friendships and even family. Each side is passionate about their position and the verbal violence and bullying to convince the other person to come over to your way of thinking is not only destructive, it’s not Christlike. Sometimes the right thing to do is to “agree to disagree.” Put the person before your opinion. Opinions are a dime a dozen. Ask yourself if your position is so valuable that it’s worth losing a relationship? God created each of His children uniquely different, and depending on where you were born, who your parents were, how you were raised, and the life experiences you’ve had, it is only natural that a lot of people will think differently than you. You may scratch your head thinking, “How could an intelligent individual be so misguided?” But did you stop to think that they are probably thinking the same thing about you? “How can they be so smart and yet be this stupid?” Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but even more important, everyone needs to live according to their own conscience and how the Holy Spirit is impressing them. There needs to be a lot less fighting and a lot more of putting God’s love in action. His love is not conditional on what you do or don’t do or how you think or don’t think. His love is constant, deep, and genuine. You can demonstrate God’s unconditional love to others by following the example Jesus set here on earth.  John 13:34 tells us, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.) Text: 2 Timothy 2:23-24, Philippians 2:14, Proverbs 15:28, Titus 3:9

Bible Texts:
2 Timothy 2:23-24 NKJV - But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 

Philippians 2:14 NKJV - Do all things without complaining and disputing, 

Proverbs 15:28 NKJV - The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil. 

Titus 3:9 NKJV - But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.

© Brenda Walsh Ministries www.brendawalsh.com

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