In our fallen world of billions of people, there are opportunities for disagreement. Since we are all designed as individuals with certain mindsets and personalities, we will not all think alike.
Our God is a person of unity. His perfect will was set forth in the garden of Eden with a perfect couple who conversed with him daily. There was no separation because there was no sin.
But the tempter came and planted his sinful seed in the minds of Adam and Eve, and wholeness was broken and guilt ensued.
Sin brought self-knowledge, and the self wants to preserve the flesh. Believers are born again whose minds have been transformed into new creations, but we can still sometimes let the default attitudes of the mind control us.
For this reason, Paul exhorted us in Romans 12: 1-2 to always focus on renewing our thinking. We cannot live in union with our brothers and sisters or in peace with those of the world unless the Holy Spirit is in control.
The Bible gives us guidelines on how to deal with these fragmented opinions without causing violence and aggression.
Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what to pray for, but the Spirit itself steps in for us through wordless sighs. (Romans 8:26 NIV)
Here are 6 ways to pray for those who disagree with us:
1. Pray for the unsaved
Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they be saved. (Romans 10: 1)
Paul’s heart was with his Jewish brothers and sisters, and he prayed for their salvation. He wanted their eyes to be opened to the gospel.
An unsaved person’s opinion will be contrary to that of a believer for most of the time. Unbelievers can still be nice people and may not always haunt us, but their hearts are hardened to the truth of Christ’s sacrifice.
We can pray in the same way that Paul did for those who are so attached to religion that they cannot see the love of God and for those who are blind to the truth of the message of salvation.
2. Pray for those who persecute us because of the gospel
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you so that you may become children of your Heavenly Father. He makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and makes rain on the just and the unjust. (Matthew 5: 44-45)
Christ’s message is offensive to those whose eyes are blind to the truth. Therefore, Jesus was regularly attacked by the Pharisees and the apostles exposed to the same evil.
When we pray for those who attack us because of our testimony of Christ, we can know that they are not attacking us personally but are listening to the evil one who wants to silence the message that will save them.
We can pray that their eyes will be opened.
3. Pray for those in government and in authority
I therefore urge first of all that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all authorities – so that we can lead a peaceful and quiet life in all piety and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2: 1-3)
When Paul wrote Timothy the words about praying for the authorities, Christians were severely persecuted by the Roman emperors. Praying for someone who wants to burn you at the stake or feed you to lions would be the last thing on our list if we listened to our feelings.
For centuries, governments around the world have fallen into unholy hands. People died under the rule of dictators and despots. Godless guidelines are still being put in place aimed at silencing Christian voices.
Praying that these leaders open their eyes to the truth shows them that we are serving a different God than they are. Reacting with violence against laws we disagree with only pulls us into the same mindset as those who oppose us.
We can pray that ungodly principles will be reversed.
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4. Pray that you would have the wisdom to answer those who ask us Question
But in your hearts, worship Christ as Lord. Always be ready to provide an answer to anyone who asks you why you are hoping. But do so with meekness and respect, and maintain a clear conscience so that those who maliciously contradict your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1 Peter 3: 15-16)
When we live for the Lord in word and deed, the world can see our reactions to circumstances. You will not understand the control of the Holy Spirit who helps us in uncomfortable and difficult situations.
If they ask us how we can react in this way, we have the opportunity to share God’s love with them. We can only do this by letting the Holy Spirit fill us every day and control our emotions. Our prayer for wisdom will show us what to say (Luke 12:12).
5. Pray for peaceful conversation when you disagree with a believer
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree on what you say and that there is no division among you, but that you are perfectly united in thought and thought. (1 Corinthians 1:10).
The separation of denominations reflects that Christians do not always agree. But being drawn into theological arguments does not exalt Jesus.
Although we may not always agree on interpreting the Scriptures, we can agree to be united in the love of God and to pray for one another.
Even the great apostle Paul had differences of opinion with his partner Barnabus about John Mark (Acts 5: 36-41). They were so in agreement that they parted ways. But the Holy Spirit brought good out of their division by preaching the gospel in different parts of the world.
Paul apparently changed this opinion about John Mark later when he urged Timothy to bring Mark to him (2 Timothy 4:11).
6. Pray for those who hurt us
Get on and forgive one another if either of you has a grudge against someone. Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you. (Colossians 3:13)
We are all hurt by other people at some point in our lives. Sometimes the harm may not be intentional, but we may perceive a word or action as an attack against us. To obey God’s commandment, we should pray for enlightenment, study the scriptures, and forgive.
Our feelings may initially mismatch with our words, but the more we submit to God’s will, the more the feelings will eventually correspond to what we pray about. When we remember that Christ forgave us, we can know that we have no right to hold grudges against another person.
Praying for those who hurt us can remove bitterness from the soul. Even if a split in a relationship is not healed, we can know that we have done our part in forgiveness and that the other person’s heart is left to God.
God’s will is for peace
If it is possible, as far as depends on you, live in peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)
We don’t have to agree with everyone, but we can choose to live peacefully by praying according to God’s will, following His rules, and controlling our own emotions.
Peace between all people will only be achieved when the King of Kings establishes his rule on the new earth. Until then, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can do our part in avoiding disputes, disagreements, and even disagreements.
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A true southerner, Barbara Latta will be transplanted from Arkansas to Georgia. She writes a monthly column in her local newspaper and contributes to devotional websites, online magazines, and stories in several anthologies. She is the author of God’s Maps, Stories of Inspiration, and Direction for Motorcycle Riders. She enjoys traveling on his motorcycle with her Harley-ridden Prince and enjoying the creativity of nature. Having coffee on the terrace while the sun comes up is her favorite time of the day. Barbara shares how to walk in grace and thrive in hope on her blog Navigating Life’s Curves at www.barbaralatta.blogspot.com. She values her role as a wife, mother of two adult sons and Mimi of a granddaughter.