FROM MY HEART “… foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient …” (II Timothy 2:23, 24). During my early years following my salvation experience, I regretfully confess that I was ‘chief’ when it came to arguing the Bible. Sadly, I thought ‘I had arrived’ and knew everything there was to know about the Scriptures. Even now, the more I learn each day, the more I find out what I don’t know! Be that as it is, I am saddened by some of the petty arguments and ‘across the fence mudslinging’ I have seen posted from God’s children. I speak of this because, as I said above, I have first-hand experience with arguing the Scriptures. Notice what the Apostle says again, “… foolish and unlearned [literally, ignorant] questions avoid …”. The Lord goes on to explain why we should avoid them, “… they do gender strife …”. In other words, they do absolutely nothing to build each other up in the faith, but cause hard feelings, destroy the unity of the brethren and set a poor testimony for the lost. Why would a non-believer want to embrace our sweet Savior after seeing how believers argue and fuss over the Bible?! If you cannot convey your message with love, don’t say anything at all! “Love covers a multitude of sins.” But you say, ‘We should cry out against sin and denounce it every chance we can.’ Yes, you are right, we should cry out against sin, but not at the expense of winning an argument, tearing down a brother, providing a stumbling block before the sinner and bringing reproach upon the Lord Jesus. Let everything we say be out of love and grace. Furthermore, what profit is there in arguing among ourselves, even if we ‘come out on top’ and win?! All those early years following my salvation were practically a waste of time arguing the Scriptures! Shame on me! I have to admit, I did more harm to the cause of Christ than I ever thought about doing good. What’s really scary is that I was a hindrance to those that were lost as they watched my actions. God have mercy and forgive me! So Paul says, “… the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient …”. God has called us to be gentle to our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are to teach out of love and patience – not to win an argument! If you want to debate or ague with someone, do so in private that the testimony of our Lord will be one of love and compassion. Love one another, for God is love! I love you all, my friends – Pastor Greg.
Posted on: Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:25:35 +0000