Disagreement?

It’s natural and normal for people to disagree. Each of us has a unique perspective shaped by our experiences, values, and access to information.

In a healthy setting, disagreement doesn’t diminish or destroy relationships. Instead, it can help improve listening and critical thinking. It can deepen trust and understanding. It can develop better conflict resolution and communication skills.

Sadly, we seem to have lost our ability to engage in civil discourse. We argue about everything, in part because it’s hard to tell the difference anymore between news and entertainment, sports and global affairs, religion and politics.

Speaking Of Politics…

Speaking of politics, America’s hyper-partisan political climate is having a negative effect on many people’s mental health. There’s been an increase in stress, anxiety, and depression fueled by toxic rhetoric, heightened negative emotions toward opposing parties, and divisive content on social media.

A July 2025 Pew Research Center poll found that 46% of Americans lean Republican and 45% lean Democrat. Men are 12% more likely to lean Republican. Women are 12% more likely to lean Democrat. Similar political differences appear based on education, ethnicity, and age.

And there’s nothing wrong with that. The problem is exposed in an earlier Pew Research Center poll that shows a growing hostility between Democrats and Republicans. Americans are increasingly suspicious and distrustful of members of the opposing party, assigning traits like “close-minded, dishonest, immoral, unintelligent, and lazy” (affective polarization).

The poll says, “Partisan polarization has long been a fact of political life in the United States. But increasingly, Republicans and Democrats view not just the opposing party but also the people in that part in a negative light.”

The Bible Leads Us

We sense that America is divided, but surely Christians aren’t contributing to the problem, are they? The Bible gives us clear instruction about these social divisions.

“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26-28

The point isn’t that there aren’t different genders, vocations or ethnicities. Of course there are! The point is that if you choose to follow Jesus, your primary identity is in him! Everything else is secondary (including your political affinity).

That’s the foundational truth of Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ. More than anything else, “in Christ” establishes who we are. As followers of Jesus, we can be confident and gracious because that wonderful reality shapes everything else.

So, when the Bible says, “as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18), we take that seriously.

We ask God to help us “be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3).

We seek to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (Colossians 3:15).

When we choose to live this way each day, we have peace with God, peace with others, and peace within. We flourish!

What would it look like if being “in Christ” was the most important thing about you?