Arguments and conflicts

 

I have always hated arguments and conflicts. There are people who seem to thrive on them. Whenever I have allowed myself to get drawn into an argument or even be around those who love to quarrel, I have always found it unsettling. Therefore, I find great comfort in these verses.

I know that some of those who love nothing more than a good argument usually feel called by God to argue for him. I remember one preacher saying it was his form of boxing! It is a case of, 'Do all things without arguing, except when you are arguing!' 

That said, I have seen some who are very skilled at taking on people's questions and challenges regarding the faith. The difference is between quarrelling, as in trying to 'destroy' the other person and 'win' the argument at all costs, as opposed to having a rational discussion.

For some of us, these verses are a great comfort, for others, they are a challenge.

'Don’t give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces' Mat 7:6

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'Whoever doesn’t receive you or hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet.' Mat 10:14

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'Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.' Mat 10:16

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'For I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. People will arise from among your own selves, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them' Acts 20:29-30

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'Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honourable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.' Rom 12:17-18

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'So then, let’s follow after things which make for peace, and things by which we may build one another up' Rom 14:19

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'The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.' Gal 5:22-23

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'Do everything without complaining and arguing' Phil 2:14

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'Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they don’t argue about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.' 2 Tim 2:14

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'Refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife. The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skilful in teaching, patient when wronged,' 2 Tim 2:23-24

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(Written under Nero) 'Remind the believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all.' Titus 3:1-2

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This next verse is often used to browbeat people into witnessing their faith to others. However, it must be taken in the context of the rest of scripture. Note that it tells us "to give an answer to everyone who asks." But if that person then starts to attack us and wants to draw us into an argument, then the conversation is over. The instruction from Jesus is, "don't" (Mat 7:6).

'Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear.' 1 Pet 3:15b