How can we be more agreeable?

Romans 14:19So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

Colossians 3:14Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

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

We can be more agreeable by making sure that love is our primary goal in relationships—building one another up to create harmony, rather than cutting others down to make our point.

Romans 12:16Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

Romans 15:5May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 2:1-5Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

We can be more agreeable by not being proud. Instead, we should adopt the humble attitude of Jesus in our relationships. Humility defuses hostility; but a hostile attitude is sure to trigger more hostility.

Proverbs 17:14Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out.

We can be more agreeable by being sensitive to mounting tensions and making every effort to defuse them before they blow up. Floodgates and quarrels are both hard to close once they are opened.

Exodus 23:5If you see that the donkey of someone who hates you has collapsed under its load, do not walk by. Instead, stop and help.

Luke 6:27-28“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.

Romans 12:20-21Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

We can be more agreeable by showing others that we care about them, even if we don’t always agree with them. For instance, we can be kind to them and pray for them regularly. As we ask God to bless those who have wronged us, living in bitterness becomes increasingly difficult. Through doing good, we will break the cycle of conflict.