Definition and Nature:
Disagreement refers to a difference of opinion or conflict between individuals or groups. In the biblical context, disagreements can arise over doctrinal issues, personal relationships, or interpretations of Scripture. While disagreements are a natural part of human interaction, the Bible provides guidance on how to handle them in a manner that honors God and promotes unity within the body of Christ.

Biblical Examples of Disagreement:

1. Paul and Barnabas:
One of the most notable disagreements in the New Testament occurred between Paul and Barnabas. In Acts 15:36-40, Paul and Barnabas had a sharp disagreement over whether to take John Mark with them on their missionary journey. The disagreement was so intense that they parted ways, with Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus and Paul choosing Silas as his companion. This incident highlights that even mature believers can have differing opinions, yet God can use such situations to further His purposes.

2. Peter and Paul:
Another example is the disagreement between Peter and Paul regarding the treatment of Gentile believers. In Galatians 2:11-14, Paul recounts how he opposed Peter to his face because Peter was acting hypocritically by withdrawing from Gentile believers out of fear of criticism from the circumcision group. Paul’s confrontation with Peter underscores the importance of addressing disagreements openly and honestly, especially when core gospel truths are at stake.

Biblical Principles for Handling Disagreement:

1. Seek Reconciliation:
Jesus teaches the importance of reconciliation in Matthew 5:23-24, where He instructs believers to be reconciled to their brother before offering their gift at the altar. This principle emphasizes the priority of resolving conflicts and maintaining harmonious relationships within the Christian community.

2. Speak the Truth in Love:
Ephesians 4:15 encourages believers to speak the truth in love, growing in every way into Christ. This principle guides Christians to address disagreements with honesty and compassion, aiming to build up rather than tear down.

3. Pursue Peace:
Romans 12:18 advises, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This verse acknowledges that while not all disagreements can be resolved, believers should strive to live peaceably and avoid unnecessary conflict.

4. Avoid Quarreling:
2 Timothy 2:23-24 warns against engaging in foolish and ignorant controversies that breed quarrels. Instead, the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, and patient when wronged. This instruction highlights the importance of maintaining a spirit of gentleness and patience in the face of disagreement.

5. Unity in Diversity:
Romans 14 addresses disagreements over disputable matters, urging believers to accept one another without passing judgment on disputable issues. The chapter emphasizes that each person should be fully convinced in their own mind and that believers should not cause others to stumble over their personal convictions.

The Role of Church Leadership:
Church leaders play a crucial role in mediating disagreements within the congregation. Titus 3:10-11 advises leaders to warn a divisive person once and then twice before having nothing more to do with them, recognizing that such a person is warped and sinful. This guidance underscores the responsibility of church leadership to maintain doctrinal purity and unity within the church.

Conclusion:
Disagreements, while inevitable, provide opportunities for growth and deeper understanding when handled biblically. By adhering to scriptural principles, believers can navigate conflicts in a way that reflects Christ’s love and fosters unity within the body of Christ.1. (n.) The state of disagreeing; a being at variance; dissimilitude; diversity.

2. (n.) Unsuitableness; unadaptedness.

3. (n.) Difference of opinion or sentiment.

4. (n.) A falling out, or controversy; difference.

2213. zetema -- an inquiry
... Word Origin from zeteo Definition an inquiry NASB Word Usage issue (1),
points of disagreement (1), questions (3). question, issue. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2213.htm - 7k

3948. paroxusmos -- stimulation, provocation
... See 3947 (). Word Origin from paroxuno Definition stimulation, provocation NASB
Word Usage sharp disagreement (1), stimulate (1). contention, provoke unto. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3948.htm - 7k

The Disagreement in Asia.
... Book V. Chapter XXIV."The Disagreement in Asia. 1. But the bishops of Asia, led
by Polycrates, decided to hold to the old custom handed down to them. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxiv the disagreement in asia.htm

Of the Disagreement Respecting the Celebration of Easter.
... Book III. Chapter V."Of the Disagreement respecting the Celebration of Easter.
But before this time another most virulent disorder ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter v of the disagreement respecting.htm

Of Severian and Antiochus: their Disagreement from John.
... Book VI. Chapter XI."Of Severian and Antiochus: their Disagreement from
John. The odium against John Chrysostom was considerably ...
/.../chapter xi of severian and antiochus .htm

Evil is not a Substance, but a Disagreement Hostile to Substance.
... On the Morals of the Manich??ans. Chapter 8. "Evil is Not a Substance, But
a Disagreement Hostile to Substance. 11. For what other ...
/.../chapter 8 name is not.htm

Of the Sects of Philosophers, and their Disagreement.
... The Epitome of the Divine Institutes. Addressed to His Brother Pentadius. Chap.
XXXII."Of the Sects of Philosophers, and Their Disagreement. ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxxii of the sects of.htm

Impressive Phrases
... developed, revealed, measured, and tested. difference, disagreement, discord, and
estrangement. ... disagreement, discrepancy, difference, and divergence. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section iv impressive phrases.htm

Peculiar Schism among the Novatians.
... Upon his affirming that he was troubled about the disagreement that existed respecting
the Feast of Easter, and that it ought to be kept according to the ...
/.../chapter xxi peculiar schism among the.htm

The Memorial of Symmachus, Prefect of the City.
... citizens. Here is no disagreement of wills, for men have now ceased to
believe that they excel in courtly zeal, if they disagree. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/the memorial of symmachus prefect.htm

The Letter of Cyril to John of Antioch.
... Of the reason of the disagreement it is superfluous to speak. I deem it more useful
both to think and speak of things suitable to the time of peace. ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/the letter of cyril to.htm

Whether Anything Can be an Object of Universal Hatred?
... hatred. Objection 2: Further, hatred is caused by disagreement; and where
there is disagreement, there is nothing in common. But ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether anything can be an.htm

Disagreement (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Difference of opinion or sentiment. 4. (n.) A falling out, or controversy;
difference. Multi-Version Concordance Disagreement (3 Occurrences). ...
/d/disagreement.htm - 7k

Variance (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) Change of condition; variation. 2. (n.) Difference that produce dispute
or controversy; disagreement; dissension; discord; dispute; quarrel. ...
/v/variance.htm - 7k

Jar (45 Occurrences)
... jarred on my ears. 5. (vi) To act in opposition or disagreement; to clash;
to interfere; to quarrel; to dispute. 6. (vt) To cause ...
/j/jar.htm - 21k

Disallow (3 Occurrences)

/d/disallow.htm - 8k

Quarrel (22 Occurrences)
... 8. (n.) A breach of concord, amity, or obligation; a falling out; a difference;
a disagreement; an antagonism in opinion, feeling, or conduct; esp., an angry ...
/q/quarrel.htm - 15k

Umpire (1 Occurrence)
... observed. 2. (n.) A third person, who is to decide a controversy or question
submitted to arbitrators in case of their disagreement. 3 ...
/u/umpire.htm - 7k

Out (29154 Occurrences)
... true, reasonable, correct, proper, common, etc.; in error or mistake; in a wrong
or incorrect position or opinion; in a state of disagreement, opposition, etc ...
/o/out.htm - 9k

Justus (3 Occurrences)
... Corinth. There is some disagreement among manuscripts regarding the name.
Textus Receptus of the New Testament gives "Justus" alone. ...
/j/justus.htm - 12k

Judgment (430 Occurrences)
... act of the mind by which two notions or ideas which are apprehended as distinct
are compared for the purpose of ascertaining their agreement or disagreement. ...
/j/judgment.htm - 52k

Resulted (4 Occurrences)
... Acts 15:39 So there arose a serious disagreement between them, which resulted in
their parting from one another, Barnabas taking Mark and setting sail for ...
/r/resulted.htm - 7k

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