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Dis-pute |
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By Jeremy D. Joy “Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out” (Proverbs 17:14 NIV).
The Bible does not hide the faults and failures of the men and women who molded and shaped the first century church including an embarrassing episode involving Paul and Barnabas who would not budge in their opinion of John Mark (Acts 15:36-41). The two parted company and never worked side by side again although Paul later changed his mind about John Mark. There will be disputes among great men and women of faith. Disagreements are unpleasant, but if we sweep them under the rug, tensions build until they explode damaging unity and destroying friendships beyond recognition. It is better to address problems in a mature manner as soon as they occur. Christians can be even more united if we learn to manage differences according to the word of God. You may be surprised at the good that can come from disputes!
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