Have you ever fallen into a disagreement with someone over a small issue that you probably made a bigger deal than it actually was? Maybe you’ve taken it a step further, looking down on someone for their view on an issue that, really, is “small potatoes.” I wish it weren’t so, but I’ve been there myself.  

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If we’re honest, there are probably multiple occasions on which we’ve projected our own personal convictions onto others. There have probably been times we’ve let small differences of opinion get in the way of something greater. Maybe you too have fallen into the trap of letting minor disagreements threaten unity with other believers.

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That is exactly what today’s verse in Romans is speaking to – this truth that we shouldn’t judge, condemn, or look down on another believer for disagreements over minor issues. Unfortunately, we do see this happen from time to time. It threatens our unity as the body of believers, over something that, simply put, is just not worth it. This could be an issue that the Bible isn’t specifically clear about, personal convictions, or even things that just involve a longer conversation.

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So, why do we get hung up on such trivial matters anyway? Are we motivated by our love for the person? Are we seeking truth? Or do we just want to be right? Maybe there’s a helpful question to ask ourselves when these thoughts first creep in: Is this coming from a desire for that person to grow closer to Jesus? Or is what I am doing just distracting me or the other person from the Lord?

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I’ll be the first to admit that it can be so easy to simply point out something that seems wrong, rather than go on a journey with someone. Yet it’s often more valuable to walk with one another as the Lord sanctifies us, as we learn more about who he is, and as we experience the perfect love and perfect truth that he provides without compromise.

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So, if you struggle with this from time to time like I do, ask, how can I trade judgement for unity? Three of the most helpful, practical steps I try to take are this:  

1. Ask God to help me see the person how he does.

2. Start from a place of love.  

3. Approach the situation like Jesus would.  

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Study Scripture to learn how to love someone well in a particular situation. Here are some great places to start:  

• Matthew 7:3-5

• 1 Corinthians 8

• Luke 6:41-42

• 1 Corinthians 16:14

• James 1:19

How can you apply this to your life today in a way that ultimately directs the focus back to Jesus? I challenge you to find one person, situation, or disagreement that you can focus on seeing the way Jesus does, being rooted in love, and bringing all involved closer to the Lord.

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God, I am so thankful that you are the perfect judge, that your nature is of perfect love and perfect truth, and that even though I’ve tried to take things into my own hands, that you have grace for me. Please help me to see others the way you do, to love them well, and to preserve unity in a way that glorifies you and brings all involved closer in their relationship with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.