(The following is the October 5 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 2 Timothy 2 and pay close attention to verses 22-26.)
How productive and valuable was the last quarrel you had? It probably didn’t improve things between those involved. Neither did it likely solve whatever problem sparked the argument. It may have temporarily worsened the situation, including relationships.
Paul gave younger Timothy godly advice about disagreeing with others: “Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, because you know that they breed quarrels. The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth. Then they may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will” (vv. 22-26).
Paul isn’t suggesting we never disagree with others. We’ll undoubtedly disagree on matters of Christian faith and practice with those inside and outside the church. But when we disagree, we must do so in a respectful, honorable way. We make situations worse by instigating heated arguments or responding in ways that fuel a fire rather than extinguish it. This is especially true of online behavior, where we may not even know the one with whom we are quarreling.
Take Paul’s advice of being gentle and patient when tempted to quarrel. Our goal should not be to win arguments but to win souls. Speak the truth in love and pray that God uses our words for his glory.
Next Step:
When did you last quarrel with someone face-to-face or online? Did anything worthwhile come from those exchanges? What would have been a more Christlike approach to the situation?
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