Conflict, Sharp Disagreements, and Faith

Conflict is prevalent throughout human history – even the Bible is full of examples of conflict. Our current era of sharp disagreements isn’t new, but it is amplified in an unprecedented manner through social media and mass media. It is common today for people to allow their difference of opinion to lead to broken relationships and hardened hearts. It doesn’t have to be this way if we consider the Jesus Way.

While the Bible offers us many examples of conflict, it also offers us paths to resolution. Dr. Luke recorded an incident in the Book of Acts between two missional leaders who were, in all other ways, aligned with the same mission, yet faced a disagreement. In Acts 15:36-39, Luke describes a situation where Paul and Barnabas agreed to revisit the churches they started to encourage the new believers in those congregations. Barnabas wanted to include John Mark, but Paul did not think it was wise due to John Mark bailing on them in their first missionary journey in Pamphylia. “They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took John Mark and sailed to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord, Paul and Silas went through Syria and Cilicia strengthening the churches.”

John Mark may have needed mentoring under Barnabas, the Encourager, and may not have developed as well under Paul. While Paul and Barnabas agreed on taking a second missionary journey, they did not agree with who would be on their team. The disagreement was so pronounced that they went their separate ways. However, the net effect was that two missionary journeys were taken covering more ground rather than just one. Disagreements between people led by faith are normal. Later when Paul is in prison, he requests Timothy to “Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:11). Over time, John Mark developed as a leader and became a valuable helper to Paul in his ministry.

Sharp Disagreements seem to be common these days. Disagreements have become so polarizing and sometimes lead to violence. This is not the way of Jesus. While our laws govern immigration, there may be disagreement on how they are enforced or ignored. Yet, the scripture teaches we should render respect and dignity to all people, even immigrants, since they are made in the image of God. We would agree on this principle. While we may not agree on when our country engages in a war, we all agree that innocent victims must be protected and defended. While we may not agree on the reasons for inequities for vulnerable populations, we agree that our mission is to follow the example of Jesus by serving vulnerable children, families, and seniors. We agree on our mission even if we may not always agree with how we carry it out.

We are entitled to our political perspectives, yet our political views should never become a higher priority than our biblical and theological convictions. When we disagree, we should disagree agreeably, seasoned with the fruits of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23).

At Buckner International, the fruits of the Spirit intersect with our FIRST Values: Faith patterned after the life and work of Jesus; Integrity including truth and honesty; Respect for the individual; Service Excellence as our goal; and Teamwork that focuses on collaboration. We believe these values make us stand out, different, and unique for all who work at Buckner and those we serve. We model our work after the 3 G’s motto of Dr. R.C. Buckner, “Good Words, Good Works, Good Will.”