In the context of the Bible, the concept of disagreement is often explored through narratives and teachings that highlight differences in opinion, belief, or practice among individuals or groups. Disagreement can arise from various sources, including theological interpretations, cultural practices, or personal convictions. The Bible provides numerous examples of disagreements and offers guidance on how to handle them in a manner that honors God and promotes unity among believers.

Old Testament Examples

1. Cain and Abel: One of the earliest examples of disagreement is found in the account of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-16). The brothers offered sacrifices to God, but God favored Abel's offering over Cain's. This led to jealousy and ultimately the tragic murder of Abel by Cain. This narrative illustrates how unresolved disagreements and unchecked emotions can lead to sin and division.

2. Moses and the Israelites: Throughout the Exodus journey, Moses frequently faced disagreements with the Israelites. One notable instance is when the people grumbled against Moses and Aaron due to a lack of water (Exodus 17:1-7). Despite the people's complaints, Moses sought God's guidance, demonstrating the importance of seeking divine wisdom in resolving disputes.

3. David and Saul: The relationship between David and King Saul is marked by significant disagreement and conflict. Saul's jealousy and fear of David's rising popularity led to numerous attempts on David's life (1 Samuel 18-26). Despite the tension, David consistently chose to respect Saul's position as God's anointed king, exemplifying restraint and respect in the face of disagreement.

New Testament Examples

1. Paul and Barnabas: A notable disagreement in the New Testament occurred between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark's participation in their missionary journey (Acts 15:36-41). Their sharp disagreement led to a parting of ways, with Barnabas taking Mark and Paul choosing Silas as his companion. This incident highlights that even among devoted believers, disagreements can arise, but God's work continues through different paths.

2. Jewish and Gentile Believers: The early church faced significant disagreements regarding the inclusion of Gentile believers and the necessity of following Jewish customs. The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) addressed these issues, ultimately deciding that Gentile converts were not required to adhere to all Jewish laws. This decision underscored the importance of unity and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in resolving doctrinal disagreements.

3. Paul and Peter: In Galatians 2:11-14, Paul recounts a disagreement with Peter (Cephas) over his behavior towards Gentile believers. Paul confronted Peter for withdrawing from Gentile fellowship under pressure from certain Jewish Christians. This confrontation emphasizes the need for accountability and consistency in living out the gospel message.

Biblical Guidance on Handling Disagreements

The Bible offers several principles for handling disagreements among believers:

· Seek Reconciliation: Jesus taught the importance of reconciliation in Matthew 5:23-24, urging believers to resolve conflicts before offering their gifts at the altar. This underscores the priority of maintaining harmonious relationships.

· Speak the Truth in Love: Ephesians 4:15 encourages believers to speak the truth in love, promoting growth and unity within the body of Christ. This principle calls for honesty tempered with compassion in addressing disagreements.

· Pursue Peace: Romans 12:18 advises, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This verse highlights the believer's responsibility to strive for peace, even in the face of disagreement.

· Avoid Quarrels: 2 Timothy 2:23-24 warns against engaging in foolish and ignorant disputes, which only lead to quarrels. Instead, the Lord's servant is called to be gentle, patient, and able to teach.

Disagreements, while inevitable, provide opportunities for growth, understanding, and the demonstration of Christ-like character. The biblical approach to handling disagreements emphasizes love, humility, and a commitment to unity within the body of Christ.(imp. & p. p.) of Disagree.

Extracts No. Iii.
... Nevertheless I may take liberty to observe that inasmuch as they have disagreed,
it shews that the subjects about what they have disagreed, are as yet obscure ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no iii.htm

Source
... personality nevertheless allowed him to maintain warm friendships with people "
such as George Bernard Shaw and HG Wells " with whom he vehemently disagreed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/source.htm

The Mystery of Personality
... "We were the best of friends," writes Bishop Burton, who is a Cincinnatian by birth,
"and we often disagreed but got on happily together because I think that ...
/.../herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/the mystery of personality.htm

The Need for Certainty.
... It may have been the case that they were rather too ready to damn every one who
disagreed with them as to the interpretation of the truth of God. ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter iii the need for.htm

The First Book
... cited the noblest masters of both these supreme arts expressly to facilitate my
proof that all others have either agreed, or, if they have disagreed, have done ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the first book.htm

In Death and after Death
... It appears that two of the Rabbis had disagreed as to what were "the chastisements
of love," the one maintaining, on the ground of Psalm 94:12, that they were ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 10 in death and.htm

Later English Reformers
... Christians must read the New Testament in their mother tongue." The doctors
and teachers of the church disagreed among themselves. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 14 later english reformers.htm

Efforts at Unity and Peace.
... In 1826 all of the Tennessee ministers signed a document, denying a report circulated
by their enemies, according to which Tennessee was disagreed as to its ...
/.../bente/american lutheranism/efforts at unity and peace.htm

Later English Reformers.
... Christians must read the New Testament in their mother-tongue." The doctors
and teachers of the church disagreed among themselves. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /14 later english reformers.htm

John Chapter xix. 23, 24
... On which I shall speak as He Himself enables me, after I have first refuted the
calumny, which may possibly arise, as if the evangelists disagreed with one ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate cxviii john chapter xix.htm

Disagreed (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Disagree. Multi-Version Concordance
Disagreed (1 Occurrence). Acts 28:25 And being disagreed...
/d/disagreed.htm - 6k

Disagreement (3 Occurrences)

/d/disagreement.htm - 7k

Disagreeable (1 Occurrence)

/d/disagreeable.htm - 7k

Septuagint
... But the verb used for "perish" (diaphonein) was uncommon in this sense; "not one
disagreed" would be the obvious meaning; hence, apparently the legend of the ...
/s/septuagint.htm - 38k

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