Many of us dislike confrontation and conflict, but we often find it unavoidable. Sometimes a conflict may result in separation. How we part ways with others in a relationship, a business agreement, or even a church, matters and also shows our true character. In the Book of Acts we read about a situation between Paul and Barnabas that resulted in separation, a separation that led to an opportunity for the Gospel message to spread even further. Handling disagreements in a way that unites our faith and mission is critical to kingdom growth. 

Day 1       Acts 15:36-16:10 

Reflect: Consider why the two men split up. Is one man right and one wrong? Did they handle it appropriately? What positive outcomes resulted from the separation?

Apply:   Consider a disagreement that ended in separation. Was it valid? When your personality clashes with someone else’s, how do you know when you cross the line of sin? 

Pray:    Jesus, may seeking first Your kingdom and righteousness far outweigh any other seeking—seeking to win, seeking to be right, seeking to avoid pain, seeking to get our own way. Help us to be unified in reaching the nations with the good news for Your glory. 

 

Day 2      Acts 15:1-19 

Reflect: How did the early church handle this conflict? What benefit resulted? What could have potentially happened? What does this indicate about the character of those involved?    

Apply:   Why is there so much division within the Christian church today? Do you think the creation of so many denominations has been a hindrance or a help for multiplication? Why? 

Pray:      Father, teach us to look for ways that You might be using disagreements and divisions among us for others’ gain, for our good, and for the glory of Your name.

 

Day 3       2 Timothy 2:23-26

Reflect: About what kind of arguments was Paul speaking? What is different between an argument and a quarrel? What are today’s examples of foolish and stupid arguments? 

Apply:   When was your last quarrel with a fellow believer and what resulted? What are some effective ways to prevent foolish talk and divisive arguments?

Pray:    Lord, forgive me for when I have been quarrelsome. Give me wisdom to avoid stupid, senseless quarrels and controversies. Help me to be led by Your Holy Spirit, not by my own emotional reactions.

 

Day 4      Philippians 1:12-18 

Reflect: What is your takeaway from this text? Why do you suppose Paul did not make an issue about the two kinds of preachers? What would have been the benefit if he had?

Apply:    How do you determine when to express disagreement with another Christian and when not to? Has anyone ever prevented you from doing what you felt God calling you to do?

Pray:      May I learn to rejoice in all things, knowing that there is nothing that You cannot use to further good news to a dying world in need of a Savior. May I be a willing witness, in whatever circumstances, to forward Your plans and purposes.

 

Day 5      Ephesians 4:1-6

Reflect: What do you think is Paul’s key point? What would you say is the one thing in which we need to be in agreement? What kinds of things most impact the growth of the Gospel?

Apply:    Verse 2 (NLT Version) “Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”  How have you exemplified this verse and received it? How does liking people interface with loving them? Is it wrong not to like everyone? 

Pray:     Holy Spirit, help me make allowances for others because, in Christ, You have made allowances for me. Strengthen me to do my part in promoting, nurturing, and maintaining the unity we have in Jesus.

 

Put It Into Practice!

 Week 5:  When Division Becomes Multiplication

We are all responsible for kingdom multiplication. Consider these questions: Are there any groups or relationships you need to leave to be more productive in helping God’s kingdom to expand? Are you involved in any disunity that could be a hindrance to others saying “yes” to Jesus?