2 Timothy 2:23 - "Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights."

The primary, key word here is 'foolish'.

Have you ever been in a simple conversation with a friend and suddenly it becomes a disagreement, then continues to escalate into a horrible argument?  Talk about a snowball rolling downhill.  Frustration and anger follow, and unfortunately could end with the complete unraveling of a previous friendship.  You're probably thinking, "Well, it must have not been a firm friendship to begin with."  Not necessarily. 

Proverbs 18:19 - "An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city.  Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars."

Throughout our lives, we form strong ideas and opinions which are hard to change.  Now, I'm not saying that we always need to 'bend' our thoughts and opinions to keep peace - at least I don't believe that, not when it comes to our core beliefs (enter the word 'foolish' again - think about it before you make a 'grand stand').  However, we also need to remember that Jesus expects us to, even though we don't agree with the words or actions of others, love our fellow man. 

Mark 12:28-31 - "One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating.  Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked Him, 'Of all the commandments, which is the most important?' 'The most important one,' answered Jesus, 'is this: `Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.  The second is this: `Love your neighbor as yourself.'  There is no commandment greater than these'."

If a topic of discussion has become a grievous disagreement, one which can seemingly not find compromise, and neither feels he can budge on his opinion and no common ground can be found (as in 'agree to disagree'), and the 'Heart of Agreement' cannot be found, first, be sure that it's not pure stubbornness taking precedence.  If not, then a dear Mentor of mine quoted the following:  Matthew 10:14 -"If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave."  Sometimes that's the only answer, unfortunately, and you are forced into mourning a relationship which you had felt too firm to even entertain discord.  I hope that this situation never enters your life, and that you have a weekend filled with peace and happiness.  Maggie

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Matthew 18:19 - "If two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven."

  Heart of Agreement

Have you ever “agreed to disagree” with a friend or family member? After discussion, debate or even full-blown argument, you acknowledge in your hearts that you cannot agree. It’s not a bad way to resolve the issue, but it can be dissatisfying.

In today’s scripture, Jesus makes an extraordinary promise – that His Father will do for us whatever we ask. It seems like a heavenly blank check, until we remember His promise is to deliver when we agree.

Agreeing in prayer is powerful, hard work! You surrender your agenda and focus with others. Whether you’re praying with a small group or just listening as a leader prays aloud in church, your active agreement, rather than passive listening, will strengthen those prayers and honor God.