Matthew 4: 12-23                                                                                                      Rev. Dr. Galen E. Russell III

1 Corinthians 1: 10-18                                                                                                                   January 25, 2026

“...that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose.”

Prayer: O God of light, may we see your light shining off each other and ourselves emphasizing that we are much more alike than we are different. Please strengthen our faith. Amen.

As I thought about my sermon title, Bad Bunny came to mind. Not sure why, I had never heard of Bad Bunny before the start of the NFL season, but shortly after that, he was announced as the Super Bowl half time entertainment. And one third of the world went nuts, and one third were angry, and the last third, were like “Who’s Bad Bunny?” I’m in that group.

Turns out, he’s an Latino rapper musician from Puerto Rico, who’s won three Grammys, who’s concerts have boosted Puerto Rico’s economy by $400 million, and through his “Good Bunny” foundation, annually delivers thousands of Christmas gifts to Puerto Rican children—even though it would be far more on point if he did that at Easter! Just sayin’!

But still, conservatives and Christian nationalists were outraged. Maybe that’s why I thought of Bad Bunny. They want a Christian, American “faith, family, freedom” halftime show, not some unknown, secular, Puerto Rican show. They were saying that he’s not an American...why would they get a non-American citizen to be the entertainment?

Well folks, don’t buy into that! Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio is an American citizen, as are virtually 100% of Puerto Rico’s population. Because Puerto Rico is an American territory. And, of all the states and territories of the United States, Puerto Rico is, by far, the most Christian of them all. But these details didn’t make a difference to those who wanted to pick a fight with whatever group chose Bad Bunny!

 To which I kept asking, “Why can’t we all just get along? Why can’t we just agree to disagree?” Wouldn’t that be OK?

You know, back in the ancient day of scripture, if someone publicly disagreed with powers that be, jail time was likely, as happened to John the Baptist. Sometimes death, as also happened to John and Jesus. Seems we’ve reverted back to that, huh?

Quarrels and dissension within the church in Corinth had grown so bad that Paul felt like he needed to address the situation. Well, it seems these people were arguing about who was baptized by whom, who was more influential than the other. Who’s more important. Feels like there was like this dirty competition going on. Who’s in. Who’s out. Who’s baptism was more valid. Who’s right. Who’s wrong. And it was breaking them up.

 Kind of reminds me of the old story where two Christians are sitting at a bar discussing theology. And one says firmly, “I believe the Bible is the ultimate authority.” “As do I,” the second man said. The first man continued, “And I hold that salvation is by grace alone through faith,” “Amen to that!” the second man exclaimed. Then the second guy continued, “I also believe in the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” The first man nodded enthusiastically, “Yes, exactly! Leaning in closer, the second said, “And I believe sacraments are vital symbols of our faith.” “I agree!” the first man said. But, the first man continued, “Although I lean toward the view that they are more than just symbols—that they convey real spiritual presence.”

The second man’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Wait... do you mean the actual body and blood, or just a spiritual presence?” “Well, I believe it’s a spiritual presence,” the first replied cautiously.  The second guy stood up and shouted, “Die, you heretic!”

Two guys, so alike in their shared convictions, were suddenly worlds apart. The smallest of differences can sometimes lead to the deepest of divides.

 The church gets divided again and again, getting broken down into smaller and smaller groups with each schism. People sometimes ask me, “What religion are you?” And of course, the answer is “I’m a Christian.” But what they really mean is, are you Protestant or Catholic? Or something else.

Yeah, we’re Protestants. But Protestants have more divisions than anything! There are a few major “denominations,” and then there’s tens of thousands of individual denominations, and smaller churches. Quite the opposite of Jesus’ prayer “That they may all be one” (John 17:21), Paul’s hopes for being united in the same mind and purpose.

Paul wants unity in Christ. He knows all agreeing on ideas won’t work. When has that ever happened?

Paul wants everyone to have unity in Christ without uniformity of ideas. He wants everyone to be of the same mind that the power of God through the cross is what saves us. And that was proven by God when Christ died on a criminal’s cross, and God raised him to new life afterwards. Signifying that God’s power and truth are not found in being right while others are wrong. God’s power and truth are found in God’s reconciling love, and us reflecting that love in our loving relationships.

 This is the light of our salvation. This does not divide us into smaller groups. This actually moves us the opposite way—toward oneness in Christ. Loving relationships are the glue that hold to body of Christ together. This is the same purpose Paul has in mind. I believe.

 And it may sound stupid to our modern day ears, but it sure feels like good news to me, that we are more alike than we are different. That our same purpose in Christ is to have loving, respectful, caring relationships with one another, in all areas of our lives and a willingness by everyone to agree that it’s OK to disagree with each other.

Agreeing to disagree means working to understand each other. To listen to each other. To become aware of each other’s ideas, thoughts, and feelings.  To say “I respect you and your ideas knowing that respect me and mine.” Many of us in marriages and meaningful relationships know this to be true. It’s impossible to agree on everything with your spouse or partner. You agree to disagree. But, you work together in love. You don’t force the other to follow your way. There’s no coercion. You work together for the greater good. You agree to disagree at times.

 And disagreements can be good. Because out of that point of tension, with open minds, dialogue can happen. Out of disagreements you can work out agreeable compromises for the greater good, finding ways to love and care for others. Agreeing to disagree means we embrace the deep Christian belief of finding commonality along the lines of difference.

A few weeks ago, New York City inaugurated Zohran Mamdani as its first Democratic Socialist, Muslim mayor. Now, It’s fair to question his initiatives, and policies, or approach to governing the city. There are some obviously who are terribly concerned. But if people agree to disagree, perhaps one place we see this commonality amid the differences is in Mamdani’s focus on affordability and quality of life of working-class people. This reflects something close to the heart of Islam and Christianity and Judaism—caring for the most vulnerable people among us (“New York’s Muslim Mayor,” From the editors, The Christian Century, January, 2026, p. 9).

And at last, I think agreeing to disagree can help to put away the “us” verses “them” mentality. It’s tempting to misplace our loyalties only on those who agree with us—which is happening a lot these days.  It’s best I think, to place our loyalty in Christ, which helps us see that those who disagree with us are still our kin in Christ as God’s beloved children. In their darkness and in ours, God in Christ is the source of inner light for all of us. God is the springboard of love for everyone.

So, I think Jesus’ call upon his disciples, his call to you and me, and Paul’s call is a call for unity in Christ, even in our diversity, by sharing in loving relationships. God’s light and love, I believe, are on our paths when we do. Because God’s light is come. Because God’s love is come, for the purpose of healing the entire world. If agreeing to disagree is part of that, then maybe on that we are agreed. Amen.