We've all argued with someone. And, I'd venture a guess we've left some arguments feeling like we should never have started or continued in them. Since the advent of the internet, this useless argument seems to have only increased, as everyone on the internet has an opinion, and everyone is an expert on whatever it is they're arguing at the moment (I'm speaking sarcastically, but I've been guilty!) As a Christ follower, I have to ask myself, what does the bible say about it? Sure, discussion, and reasoning, and at times, arguing have won people to Christ, but shouting matches where everyone acts self-righteous don't seem to serve me, and make me feel dirty after I put someone in their place. How do I reconcile this? Once again, the Word of God puts me in my place: So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
2 Timothy 2:22-26
Have nothing to do with foolish arguments, ignorant controversies, don't be quarrelsome, kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correct opponents with gentleness. That sounds like the recently promoted Ravi Zacharias (look up some of his videos, here's one that is absolutely wonderful), who was one of the kindest, gentlest men I've seen when defending the faith. Perhaps in adopting Paul's command to Timothy, we too may patiently endure evil, correct in love, and, perhaps, win opponents to Christ in how we lovingly respond to hate. Let us get back to winning souls, not arguing with those who want to fight.
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