Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 2 Timothy 2:23-24 NIV
What do you do when you and another follower of Jesus don’t share the same opinions?
Maybe you vote differently. Maybe you read the same passage of scripture and reach opposite conclusions. It’s easy to decide the other person must be wrong—or worse, unspiritual. We’re so quick to judge one another, especially online. Disagreement in church folk isn’t new. That’s why the Bible warns us not to be trapped by it—because even sincere debates can quickly distract us from our mission of love, humility, and unity in Jesus.
One of the leaders of the early Church named Paul told a young Christian named Timothy that people who chase “quarrels about words” stir up envy and suspicion (1 Timothy 6:4-5 ESV). Paul wrote, “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone” (2 Timothy 2:23-24 NIV).
No, the early Jesus followers didn’t agree—Jewish and Gentile believers wrestled over food laws, leadership, and culture—but they learned to focus on what mattered most: Jesus. His life, death, and resurrection bound them together more tightly than any opinion could pull them apart. So much so, they shared all they had with one another and were even willing to die sharing the message of Jesus.
So, when differences arise in your relationships today, resist the urge to win. Listen before speaking. Ask God to be your source of wisdom, not other people, and definitely not what you see online. Pray before posting. Remember that Jesus said the world would know His followers, not by their arguments, but by their love (John 13:35).
