6 Ways to Pray for Those who Disagree With Us

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

In our fallen world full of billions of people, we are presented with opportunities for disagreements. Because we are each designed as individuals with certain mindsets and personalities, we will not all think the same way.

Our God is a Person of unity. His perfect will was set forth in the Garden of Eden with a perfect couple who conversed with Him daily. There was no division because there was no sin.

But the tempter came and sowed his sinful seed into the minds of Adam and Eve and wholeness was broken and blame resulted.

Sin brought knowledge of self, and self wants to preserve the flesh. Believers are born again people whose spirits have been transformed into new creations, but we can still let the default settings of the mind control us at times.

This is why Paul admonished us in Romans 12:1-2 to always be focused on the renewal of our thinking. We can’t live in unity with our brothers and sisters, or in peace with those of the world, unless the Holy Spirit is in control.

The Bible gives us guidelines on how to handle these fractured opinions without causing violence and aggression.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groanings. (Romans 8:26 NIV)

Here are 6 Ways to Pray for Those Who Disagree With Us.

1. Pray For the Unsaved.

Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. (Romans 10:1)

An unsaved person’s opinion will be in opposition to a believer, most of the time. Unbelievers can still be nice people and may not always persecute us, but their hearts are hardened to the truth of Christ’s sacrifice.

2. Pray For Those Who Persecute Us Because of the Gospel.

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5:44-45)

When we pray for those who attack us because of our witness for Christ we can know they are not attacking us personally, they are listening to the evil one who wants to silence the message that would get them saved.

We can pray for their eyes to be opened.

3. Pray For Those in Government and Authority.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-3)

Praying for these leaders to have their eyes opened to the truth shows them that we serve a different God than they do. Reacting in violence against legislation we disagree with only drags us down into the same way of thinking as those who oppose us.

We can pray for ungodly principles to be reversed.

4. Pray to Have Wisdom to Answer Those Who Question Us.

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1 Peter 3:15-16)

As we live for the Lord in word and deeds, the world can see our reactions to circumstances. They will not understand the control of the Holy Spirit who helps us when we face unpleasant and difficult situations.

When they ask us how we are able to react the way we do, we have an opportunity to share the love of God with them. We can only do this by letting the Holy Spirit fill us and control our emotions every day. Our prayer for wisdom will show us what to say (Luke 12:12).

5. Pray For Peaceful Conversation When Disagreeing With a Believer.

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no division among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. (1 Corinthians 1:10).

The separation of denominations is a reflection of how Christians don’t always agree with each other. But being drawn into theological arguments does not lift up Jesus.

While we may not always agree on interpretation of Scripture, we can agree to be united in the love of God and pray for each other.

Even the great Apostle Paul had disagreements with his partner, Barnabus, about John Mark (Acts 15:36-41). They disagreed so much they parted ways. But the Holy Spirit brought good out of their division in that the gospel was preached in different parts of the world.

Paul obviously changed this opinion about John Mark later as he urged Timothy to bring Mark to him (2 Timothy 4:11).

6. Pray For Those Who Hurt Us.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13)

We will all be hurt by other people at some point in our lives. At times, the hurt may not be intentional, but we may perceive a word or action as an attack against us. To be obedient to God’s command, we should pray for enlightenment, study the Bible, and forgive.

Our emotions may not agree with our words at first, but the more we submit to God’s will, the feelings will eventually match what we are praying about. When we remember that Christ has forgiven us, we can know we have no right to hold a grudge against another person.

Praying for those who hurt us can remove the bitterness of soul. Even if a rift doesn’t get healed in a relationship, we can know we did our part in forgiving, and that the other person’s heart is left up to God. (click to tweet)

God’s Will Is For Peace

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)

We don’t have to agree with everyone’s opinions, but we can choose to live peaceably by praying according to God’s will, following His precepts, and controlling our own emotions.

Peace between all people will only be accomplished when the King of kings sets up His reign on the new earth. Until then, we can do our part through the guidance of the Holy Spirit to avoid arguments and disagreements to the point of dissension.

What are some other ways you can think of to pray for those who disagree? Share your thoughts.

  

This article first appeared on Crosswalk.com June 16, 2021.

Image by ThuyHaBich from Pixabay

Father's Day Memes to Share

 by Barbara Latta

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!

In honor of this special day, here are some memes you can download and share if you like.

Feel free to join the conversation and share your favorite Scripture about fathers.

The Benefits of Silence

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta 

“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 NKJV).

I sat outside early one morning sipping my coffee and listening as birds graced the air with their songs. The air was unusually cool for a summer day and the breeze was refreshing. I watched a squirrel scurry down a tree and investigate something on the ground. A small, green lizard perched on the arm of my chair, its throat pulsating with orange. It stared at me for a few moments before scampering away in search of an insect meal. God’s creation was in symphony and my soul was at rest.

But as peaceful as this scene was there was still some noise. The noise of nature is beautiful with the chirping birds and the gentle wind blowing, but have you ever contemplated the benefit of total silence?

One of the instructors at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference that I just returned from was Eva Marie Everson. I purchased her book, The Third Path, Finding Intimacy with God on the Path of Questioning. I had intended to buy this book months earlier, but you know how intentions are, they don’t produce anything.

But I am glad I was finally in the place where this tome was before me and I grabbed it, excited to find out about the third path. This journey carries us through twenty-six questions God asked different people throughout the Bible and the result of their answers.

What is our answer to these same queries? How do they affect our lives, decisions, and relationship with our heavenly Father?

The goal of this volume is to encourage us to get away with God and experience total, complete silence. A quietness that is not disturbed by even the squeak of a door or the tick of a clock.

Then listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit.

When the Lord tells us to be still and KNOW that He is God, He is commanding us to put away everything else that gets in the way. We can find out more about our identity in Christ by KNOWING Him in a way we never have before. 

If you want to pursue a deeper relationship with God, I can highly recommend this book to help you think deeply about who you are and what the Lord means to you. You can find out the benefit of silence.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts. 

Find out the benefit of silence through The Third Path by Eva Marie Everson (click to tweet)

Image courtesy of  bess.hamiti@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

3 Lessons Biblical Memorials Can Teach Us

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

The Bible contains multiple references to memorials which show us the importance of remembering certain events and actions.

God appeared to Jacob in a dream as he fled from his brother, Esau. Jacob poured oil on the stone he used as a pillar to dedicate the place where God established a covenant with him.

Joshua commanded twelve men to each carry a stone across the Jordan River to safeguard the knowledge of the miracles God had performed for future generations.

The Feast of Purim in the book of Esther proclaims the day the Jews were saved from annihilation by the wicked Haman.

The Word of God documents so many times people were commanded to remember someone or something that we can’t discuss them all here. But these following incidents in Scripture can reveal to us three lessons biblical memorials can teach us.

1. We can remember and be thankful for what God has done. In Exodus 17:14 Joshua led the Israelite warriors to victory over Amalek. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. (NKJV)”

The outcome of this battle can show us how God also delivers us from our enemies. We can record these victories in journals or notes in our Bible. At times when we are tempted to fear or fall into despair these words can remind us of the Lord’s sovereign power to deliver us from evil.

2. We can remember and be thankful for what others have done for us. Jesus had dinner with Simon the leper. Many prominent people were probably in attendance. A sinful woman came into the room and anointed Jesus’ feet with fragrant oil. Some of the dinner guests were indignant and only thought about the value of the oil thinking what she did was a waste. But Jesus told them to leave her alone. She would be recognized in the gospel for her devotion to Him.

Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is peached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her. (Matthew 26:13)

Sacrificial gifts come to us from other people throughout our lives. The impact these offerings have on us can leave a lasting remembrance of kindnesses.

3. We can remember and be thankful for what we have done that has impacted the gospel message. This doesn’t mean we should brag about our giving or accomplishments but we can be thankful God has blessed us with resources and opportunities to spread the message of grace. Acts 10:4 shows us the result of Cornelius’ prayers and giving. As this Roman centurion prayed he had a vision of an angel talking to him. And when he observed him, he was afraid and said, “What is it, lord?” so he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.”

Present Day Observances

We observe a special day on our calendar in May. We honor the sacrifices of our military members who gave their lives on the battlefield to preserve the freedoms we now enjoy. The precedent for this and other observances was set in the Bible to honor heroes, events, and why they happened.

On this Memorial Day, may we look back to the battles over the centuries where American men and women bled, died, and are buried. The principle their sacrifices preserved is embedded in America’s foundation which is the rock of the gospel.

Our greatest reminder of life is the empty tomb in Jerusalem. The large stone that rolled away revealed the vacant hole that no longer contains a body because Jesus is alive.

He is our legacy of salvation, grace, and truth.

Because of what He did we can live in a land where we can worship and preach His message. May Memorial Day remind you of the blessings you now enjoy.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts and memorials.

3 lessons biblical memorials can teach us (click to tweet)

 

 

 

 

 

What To Do When We Feel Our Lives Don't Change

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

After two years away from home, I was anxious to get my hands in the dirt again and plant flowers and vegetables. I was probably overly anxious because I started a little too early while the weather was still cool and my efforts were fruitless. The air was still too cold even for some cool weather crops.

Mother's Day Scriptures and Memes

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Mother’s Day is celebrated as a memorial to our maternal parent. We celebrate the lives and memories of our own mothers and we receive accolades from our children.

God's Love Story Shines Through the Romance of Boaz and Ruth

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Last year Lighthouse Bible Studies published a compilation titled, For Love’s Sake. This book is now a finalist in the Selah awards given at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. I was privileged to contribute to this wonderful book.

I have always loved the book of Ruth in the Bible and my contribution to this book is based on the love between Boaz and Ruth. I shared part of this story in another blog post For Love’s Sake, the Life-changing Facets of love. Here is the rest of that article. 

God’s Love Story

God painted a picture of the gospel through the palette of His Word in the romance of Boaz and Ruth. Boaz’s name means “strong redeemer.”¹ He became the redeemer for Ruth and Naomi. Christ, the second Adam, became the Kinsman Redeemer for mankind.

Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people. (Luke 1:68 NKJV)

The Old Testament vision of Jesus’ love for all mankind is enacted through the book of Ruth through acceptance, provision, protection, and rest. What are the similarities in the two stories of redeeming love?

Acceptance

Ruth was accepted by Naomi (Ruth 1:22), by Boaz (2:14), and by Israel (2:6); and she wasn’t judged for her past (2:6). Ruth approached Boaz by faith (3:6).

Believers are accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6), and we are not judged by God for our past (Psalm 103:12, Romans 8:1). We approach God through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8).

Provision

God led Ruth to glean from the fields of Boaz when she didn’t know who Boaz was (Ruth 2:3). Boaz provided for Ruth (2:8), fed Ruth (3:15), and shared his wealth with Ruth and Naomi (4:11).

God draws us to Him before we know who He is (John 15:16). God provides for us (Psalm 37:25), Jesus feeds us (John 6:35), and He sees our poverty and need and makes us rich (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Protection

Boaz protected Ruth from the reapers (Ruth 2:9), and he signified his protection of her by covering her with his garment—Take your maidservant under your wing (3:9 NKJV).

God protects us from the world (Galatians 1:4), and He covers us with His wings of protection (Psalm 91:4).

Rest

Boaz brought Ruth out of the heat of the day and gave her refreshment (Ruth 2:14). Ruth rested at Boaz’s feet in obedience (3:6). Redemption gave Ruth and Naomi peace (4:15).

Jesus refreshes us with living water (John 6:35). We are to rest by giving Jesus our burdens (Matthew 11:28). Jesus gives us peace (John 14:27).

Redeemed by Love

Ruth was a foreigner who had nothing until Boaz extended grace toward her (Ruth 2:13). We were foreigners without God (Ephesians 2:12) and had nothing until the Father extended love to us through Jesus.

Ruth’s acceptance into Israel shows that God loves all races of people. When God included Ruth in the line of the Messiah, He revealed that His plan of redemption was for all mankind, not just the Jews (Ephesians 3:6, Galatians 3:8).

Redemption turned the tragedy of Ruth and Naomi’s lives into triumph (Ruth 4:15), and it turned the tragedy of the cross into triumph for God and us (Romans 8:28, Colossians 2:15).

It was for love’s sake that Boaz redeemed Ruth and made her part of his family. It was for love’s sake that God visited His people and redeemed us through Christ.

Information about the book, For Love’s Sake

This amazing collection of articles will bless your soul as you read about the different ways God’s love has affected the lives of people. You can order from Lighthouse Bible Studies  or find the compilation on Amazon. 

What does the book of Ruth say to you? Please feel free to share your thoughts. 

God’s Love Story Shines Through the Romance of Boaz and Ruth (click to tweet)