“And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: ’The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet ‘Go to this people, and say, ‘You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.’ For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ 

 Therefore, let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.’“

Acts 28:25-28 (ESV)

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JULY 3, 2025

Disagreeing is a healthy part of human relationships—yet few of us have the ability to disagree in a healthy way. Often, we disagree so strongly that we close our ears and stop hearing each other.  

We are in a period of history (and have been for a handful of years now) when people disagree passionately with each other and have stopped listening to each other. We have built up forts around ourselves of our beliefs and opinions and we see anyone on the outside as a potential threat; we get our weapons ready.  

I have personally experienced progressive leaning friends mentally shutting down, interrupting my speaking, and arguing against me when I try to have a conversation about what is happening from a conservative perspective. At the same time, I have watched conservative leaning friends completely shut out anything that even hints at being like a progressive issue. It doesn’t seem to matter to them that God commands us to care for the most vulnerable in our communities or to take utmost care of His precious creation.  

I have even seen Christians imply that “being of the world” or “being secular” means either being progressive or being conservative! 

These men in Rome were spending so much time disagreeing with one another that they literally could not hear the gospel! I wonder if we’re in a similar situation today. 

 Questions for reflection and discussion:  

  • What is a current issue you disagree with other on? Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate your mind regarding that issue and bring it under the light of God’s Word. What does God say about this issue? Are you willing to listen to Him? 
  • Has disagreeing caused you to hurt someone or a group of people? Repent! Ask the Holy Spirit to help you listen more clearly to His voice.  
  • Think of someone you know whom you disagree with on major issues. How can you hold firm to your convictions—and at the same time listen to what is at the root of their perspective with an open and unafraid heart?  Is there even a tiny bit of truth to their concerns? Remember that they too are made in the image of God! 

 Church Reading Plan: Joshua 5; Psalm 132-134