2 Timothy 2:23-26
My favorite nickname that is floating around our culture is “keyboard warriors.” I don’t doubt that real life faith-based arguments happen in person. But nowadays, a majority of them happen online. People bicker back and forth in Facebook comment sections about hot topics in the church; creation, science, homosexuality, alcoholism, divorce, sexual immorality, legalism, tithing - the list goes on.
“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”
2 Timothy 2:23-24
Sometimes a little argument about wearing hats or ripped jeans becomes a much larger argument about modesty and respect. The problem with arguments is that it typically leads to somebody getting offended and somebody else being disrespectful, and quite frankly, nasty! As followers of Jesus, we should talk with respect, love and truth. We may have strong feelings and opinions, but we should lead these conversations based on Biblical principles and Gospel truths.
“Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”
2 Timothy 2:24-26
Our goal is to ultimately lead people to Jesus. Typically, these quarrels are between a believer and a non-believer. In those circumstances, we should be leading with love and truth. The verses above literally remind us that we gently instruct them in hopes that they will repent and become a follower of Jesus! Sometimes though, these disagreements are between two believers. In that case, we should still walk in love and truth. If it is truly two believers, they can both stand on the fact that the Bible is truth and go from there! Sometimes there are things that the Bible may not directly address. In those cases, a lot of times personal convictions are present and guide someone’s opinion. That is okay. It doesn’t mean we tear one another apart. Sometimes that means we agree to disagree and we leave it at that! I hope that the next time you have a disagreement with anyone, that you remember these verses! They are a great reminder to us as believers that our goal is to act like Jesus in hopes of them repenting and passing from death to life!
“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”
2 Timothy 2:23-24
Sometimes a little argument about wearing hats or ripped jeans becomes a much larger argument about modesty and respect. The problem with arguments is that it typically leads to somebody getting offended and somebody else being disrespectful, and quite frankly, nasty! As followers of Jesus, we should talk with respect, love and truth. We may have strong feelings and opinions, but we should lead these conversations based on Biblical principles and Gospel truths.
“Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”
2 Timothy 2:24-26
Our goal is to ultimately lead people to Jesus. Typically, these quarrels are between a believer and a non-believer. In those circumstances, we should be leading with love and truth. The verses above literally remind us that we gently instruct them in hopes that they will repent and become a follower of Jesus! Sometimes though, these disagreements are between two believers. In that case, we should still walk in love and truth. If it is truly two believers, they can both stand on the fact that the Bible is truth and go from there! Sometimes there are things that the Bible may not directly address. In those cases, a lot of times personal convictions are present and guide someone’s opinion. That is okay. It doesn’t mean we tear one another apart. Sometimes that means we agree to disagree and we leave it at that! I hope that the next time you have a disagreement with anyone, that you remember these verses! They are a great reminder to us as believers that our goal is to act like Jesus in hopes of them repenting and passing from death to life!
Posted in Devotional