Definition and Context
The term "differing" refers to the presence of variation or distinction between entities, ideas, or actions. In a biblical context, differing can relate to opinions, spiritual gifts, or behaviors among individuals or groups. The Bible addresses differing in various aspects, emphasizing unity, diversity of gifts, and the importance of discernment.

Biblical References

1. Unity Amidst Differences
The New Testament frequently addresses the concept of unity within the body of Christ despite differing backgrounds and opinions. In Ephesians 4:3-6, Paul urges believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace," acknowledging that there is "one body and one Spirit." This passage highlights the call for unity among believers, despite differing cultural or personal backgrounds.

2. Diversity of Gifts
Differing spiritual gifts are celebrated as part of the diversity within the church. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, Paul writes, "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people." This passage underscores the idea that differing gifts are given by God for the common good, and each has a unique role in the body of Christ.

3. Discernment and Wisdom
Differing opinions and teachings require discernment and wisdom. In 1 Thessalonians 5:21, believers are instructed to "test all things; hold fast to what is good." This call for discernment is crucial when encountering differing teachings or interpretations, ensuring that one's faith remains grounded in truth.

4. Handling Disagreements
The Bible provides guidance on handling differing opinions and conflicts. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus outlines a process for addressing sin and disagreements among believers, emphasizing reconciliation and restoration. This passage illustrates the importance of addressing differences with a spirit of humility and love.

5. Respect for Authority and Conscience
Romans 14 addresses differing convictions among believers, particularly concerning dietary laws and sacred days. Paul advises, "Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind" (Romans 14:5), and encourages believers not to judge one another over disputable matters. This chapter highlights the importance of respecting individual conscience and the authority of God in guiding personal convictions.

Theological Implications

The concept of differing in the Bible underscores the balance between unity and diversity within the Christian community. It acknowledges that while believers may have differing gifts, opinions, and backgrounds, they are called to maintain unity in Christ. The Bible encourages discernment, respect for individual conscience, and a commitment to love and reconciliation in the face of differences. This approach fosters a community that reflects the multifaceted nature of God's creation and His redemptive work through Jesus Christ.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Differ.4182. polupoikilos -- of differing colors
... of differing colors. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: polupoikilos Phonetic
Spelling: (pol-oo-poy'-kil-os) Short Definition: much varied, manifold ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4182.htm - 7k

1313. diaphoros -- varying, excellent
... varying, excellent. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: diaphoros Phonetic
Spelling: (dee-af'-or-os) Short Definition: differing, different, excellent ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1313.htm - 6k

4496. rhipto -- to throw, cast, spec. to throw off, toss
... A primary verb (perhaps rather akin to the base of rhapizo, through the idea of
sudden motion); to fling (properly, with a quick toss, thus differing from ballo ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4496.htm - 7k

4190. poneros -- toilsome, bad
... From a derivative of ponos; hurtful, ie Evil (properly, in effect or influence,
and thus differing from kakos, which refers rather to essential character, as ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4190.htm - 8k

2992. laos -- the people
... people. Apparently a primary word; a people (in general; thus differing from demos,
which denotes one's own populace) -- people. see GREEK demos. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2992.htm - 7k

4623. siopao -- to be silent
... From siope (silence, ie A hush; properly, muteness, ie Involuntary stillness, or
inability to speak; and thus differing from sige, which is rather a voluntary ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4623.htm - 7k

2864. kome -- hair
... Apparently from the same as komizo; the hair of the head (locks, as ornamental,
and thus differing from thrix; which properly denotes merely the scalp) -- hair ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2864.htm - 6k

5594. psucho -- to breathe, blow, to make cool
... A primary verb; to breathe (voluntarily but gently, thus differing on the one hand
from pneo, which denotes properly a forcible respiration; and on the other ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5594.htm - 7k

4441. punthanomai -- to inquire, by impl. to learn
... which occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses); to question, ie Ascertain
by inquiry (as a matter of information merely; and thus differing from erotao ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4441.htm - 7k

5180. tupto -- to strike, smite, beat
... in a strengthened form); to "thump", ie Cudgel or pummel (properly, with a stick
or bastinado), but in any case by repeated blows; thus differing from paio and ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5180.htm - 7k

374. ephah -- an ephah (a measure of grain)
... Word Origin of foreign origin Definition an ephah (a measure of grain) NASB Word
Usage bushel (1), differing measures (2), ephah (33), measure (2). ...
/hebrew/374.htm - 6k

582. enosh -- man, mankind
... From 'anash; properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified 'adam);
hence, a man in general (singly or collectively) -- another, X (blood ...
/hebrew/582.htm - 6k

68. eben -- a stone
... root Definition a stone NASB Word Usage another (1), charm* (1), cornerstone* (1),
death (1), differing weights (3), hailstones* (4), jeweler* (1), lapis lazuli ...
/hebrew/68.htm - 6k

The Dialect of the Galileans, Differing from the Jewish.
... A Chorographical Century. Chapters 81-90 Chapter 87 The dialect of the
Galileans, differing from the Jewish. "Surely thou also art ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 87 the dialect of.htm

Omnipotence Creates Good Things Differing in Degree. In Every ...
... Against the Epistle of Manich??us Called Fundamental. Chapter 25. "Omnipotence
Creates Good Things Differing in Degree. In Every ...
/.../chapter 25 name creates good.htm

To be Without Sin, and to be Without Blame --How Differing.
... Augustin to his holy brethren and fellow-bishops Eutropius and Paulus. (24.)
To Be Without Sin, and to Be Without Blame"How Differing. ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/24 to be without sin.htm

Seventh Tractate. Is There an Ideal Archetype of Particular Beings ...
... No: one Reason-Principle cannot account for distinct and differing individuals:
one human being does not suffice as the exemplar for many distinct each from ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/seventh tractate is there an.htm

Hebrews x. 26, 27
... heretofore laid down. These are of a differing sort, and of a differing Temper,
from the most of their Neighbours. And their Opinion ...
/.../sermon viii hebrews x 26.htm

Formal Catalogues of Authentic Scriptures were Published, in all ...
... it does appear, it is extremely satisfactory; the catalogues, though numerous, and
made in countries at a wide distance from one another, differing very little ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/section x formal catalogues of.htm

Sober Thinking
... upon the recognition of God as the Giver of all capacities and graces, and leading
to a faithful use for the general good of the 'gifts differing according to ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/sober thinking.htm

Rom. xii. 4, 5
... For his words are, "having then gifts," not less and greater, but, "differing."
And what if thou art not appointed to the same office, still the body is the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxi rom xii 4.htm

Organic and Individual.
... reception of a higher nature. The state is the same, differing only in
degree. This is the current theory. This nature of higher ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/x organic and individual.htm

He Again Shows Eunomius, Constrained by Truth, in the Character of ...
... For our self-contradictory friend would not indicate things differing in nature
by identity of appellation, but it is surely for this reason, that the ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 5 he again shows.htm

Differing (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Differing (5 Occurrences). ... Proverbs 20:10 Differing weights
and differing measures, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh. ...
/d/differing.htm - 7k

Variety (1 Occurrence)
... 4. (n.) Something varying or differing from others of the same general kind; one
of a number of things that are akin; a sort; as, varieties of wood, land, rocks ...
/v/variety.htm - 7k

Weights (14 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). Proverbs 20:10 Differing weights and
differing measures, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh. ...
/w/weights.htm - 21k

Birds (125 Occurrences)
... Studied in detail of bony structure, muscle, and complicated arrangement of feathers
of differing sizes, the wing of a bird proves one of Nature's marvels. ...
/b/birds.htm - 62k

Alike (67 Occurrences)
... (WEB ASV NAS RSV). Proverbs 20:10 Differing weights and differing measures, both
of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh. (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS RSV). ...
/a/alike.htm - 25k

Language (112 Occurrences)
... hand the inhabitants of the coast of the Indian Ocean from Yemen to Oman, and of
the island of Socotra off that coast, spoke an Arabic differing widely from ...
/l/language.htm - 101k

Vanish (21 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) The brief terminal part of vowel or vocal element, differing more or less
in quality from the main part; as, a as in ale ordinarily ends with a vanish ...
/v/vanish.htm - 12k

Violence (98 Occurrences)
... the Kingdom of God comes like a storm and is received by those who have used drastic
self-discipline," are instances of the differing explanations proposed. ...
/v/violence.htm - 38k

Violent (151 Occurrences)
... the Kingdom of God comes like a storm and is received by those who have used drastic
self-discipline," are instances of the differing explanations proposed. ...
/v/violent.htm - 36k

Unwashen (3 Occurrences)
... The schools of Shammai and Hillel, though usually differing on points of tradition,
agreed on the washing of hands as necessary for ceremonial purification ...
/u/unwashen.htm - 8k

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