Love-Love

I've been watching a bit of the U.S. Open Grand Slam Tennis championships, and contemplating on the competition.

Did you see the match between Andre Agassi (USA) and Marcos Baghdatis (Cyprus)? A 5-set, hours long, tennis slug-fest between two men, one younger, the other older, both ailing, who pushed through their pain each and every point. Each wanted to win - neither gave up. Volleys were long, points were argued and challenged, each side's gallery rooted for their player to win.

When the match was completed and Agassi had won (6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 5-7, 7-5), the players met at the net to shake hands. Baghdatis spent more than the obligatory time congratulating Agassi, and spoke the most gracious words into the microphone at center court.

Do you think Baghdatis was disappointed in the loss to Agassi? Most assuredly, as was Agassi two days later in his loss to Benjamin Becker. Did you hear any words of condemnation toward the opponent after the match?

Of course we can all remember tennis matches of the past between John MacEnroe or Jimmy Connors and their opponents, and the arguments over umpire's calls. But, usually when the match was over, no mention of the disagreement was made, no furthering of argument was heard. The competition was simply, over. Sportsmanlike conduct is and was required.

Rules of conduct for church disagreement exist as well, but unfortunately, sometimes don't seem to be settled with the graciousness these tennis players exhibited. It hurts my heart to see brothers and sisters in Christ argue their points; then, when one 'side' has lost, continue to berate the other. We know from Acts 15 that Paul and Barnabas had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company (verse 39), each working to spread the Gospel although they had disagreed.

Scripture tells us that Paul later spoke highly of Barnabas and Mark, although their reconciliation is not specifically mentioned (Colossians 4:10; 1 Corinthians 9:6).

So, do you think it is a good idea for Christian siblings to agree to disagree and part company for awhile? Have you ever had a disagreement with a friend and allowed time to heal the wound, then you came back together as friends as if nothing had happened? When one side can agree to disagree but the other side holds firm to their point - then what happens?

Too often, and I'm speaking of myself as well, we dwell in the past. We dwell on points lost, or even gloat over points won.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

I would like to be remembered by my gracious words, as I remembered the gracious words of Marcos Baghdatis. May my conduct today be worthy.