Yes, we often disagree with others on all kinds of matters. Whether it’s family or friends or even acquaintances we seldom find common ground.
This world would be a much kinder place, if we could just agree on more. I question if irreconcilable differences truly exist.
Perhaps we’re just too quick to sever relationships over our personal peeves and preferences.
Irreconcilable differences were the catalyst for two failed marriages early in the midst of my twenties and thirties. Both marriages fell short of that elusive fifth wedding anniversary.
Whatever those disagreements were, they were not disclosed in the divorce proceedings, and I have no idea what the specifics were.
I know I was partially at fault, but neither party made much of an effort to reconcile our differences.
Culturally these days, society doesn’t seem to be willing to work through the process of resolving differences.
Scripture certainly talks about the sanctity of marriage. In the story of creation, Genesis 2:23-24, we find these words:
“The man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, for she was taken out of man.’ For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”
As I see it, these are words of instruction giving direction to all future generations.
Let’s expand this topic to a much broader perspective.
For instance, I’ve witnessed a number of business partnerships dissolve as their ventures attempted to expand.
The joy of doing business together often departs and decision makers often disagree on the future direction of the business.
One or more of the original management team departs in their search for that elusive joy in some new direction.
Sadly, within the Christian community we’ve all seen churches split over what they consider irreconcilable differences.
Not long after my decision to accept Christ as my Savior and Lord, I gladly joined the fellowship of the church I was attending in 1984.
To my complete surprise, I witnessed nearly half those in attendance one Sunday morning walk out when one individual was brought forward for church discipline.
The issue was doctrinal in this particular case and the church followed the words of Jesus found in Matthew 18.
What’s important in any disagreement is to confront the issues head on in a loving fashion.
In 1 Corinthians 13, the Apostle Paul shares the significance of love in all we do. My fellow CBMC team member John Johnson took this chapter to task in his practical application for business executives in Love As a Management Practice (LAMP), which has great value for all entities (churches, businesses and marriages) in conflict.
Click here to consider downloading a copy. Remember that “Love never fails.”
I’m certain God does not want division. That’s exactly what His Adversary desires.
With the love of God instilled in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, we can overcome a multitude of sins.
In 1 John 3:18 we’re advised, “Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”
In this, there is hope for us all!