Grace and Grit – Week 5

How to disagree well 

Acts 13 

Paul and his companions then left Paphos by ship for Pamphylia, landing at the port town of Perga. There John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem. 14 But Paul and Barnabas traveled inland to Antioch of Pisidia. Acts 13:13 

After some time, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” 37 Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. Acts 15:36-39 

But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. 39 Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated.  Acts 15:36-39 

Steps on how to disagree well 

• Remember even though there is one problem there are several viewpoints 

• Listen to understand not to respond 

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.  James 1:19 

• Resist the temptation to villainize  

• Work together to seek wise compromise 

• Sometimes when you can’t agree, agree to disagree without becoming disagreeable