We've GOT To Stop This Bickering

As believers we are not to argue for the sake of arguing! What is it accomplishing? Because it IS accomplishing something. We either accomplish something positive or we accomplish something negative. There is no such thing as a non-productive argument as in nothing is produced. SOMETHING always comes out of something.

I'm talking specifically about debates about God, religion, spirituality, atheism, etc. with those that don't believe. I don't really get upset at non-believers even in their most irritated state. You know, whether we agree or not, they are living out their belief. They are holding true to how they perceive things at that moment. You can't hold that against them because they truly don't know better. They are blind. From the standpoint of a Christian, even during a non-believer's most irritated state, you should have sympathy and understanding because we weren't always right with God and you KNOW where their non-belief will lead them. Your heart should be SHATTERING for them no matter what is coming out of their mouths. Nail down your ego and don't add fuel to the fire.

As for believers, we are held to a different standard and that standard is to be reflecting God's image - love. If that is not what is pouring out you, then you need to have a serious talk with God. Us arguing to the point of insulting, being sarcastic, or spewing "better than thou righteousness" is  doing the OPPOSITE of what we are called to do! Now THAT....upsets me...instantly. I think we have all done it, but it's the ones that are relentless even with correction that are disturbing. As the cliche goes, "it gives us a bad name" and it's turning people away...and I can't blame them.

Yes, we are to reason with each other. Yes, we are to share the gospel and God's love. Yes, we can even debate, but the moment...the very moment words start coming out of our mouths that will plant ungodly seed, we should STOP.

1 Peter 3:15-16    But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

Acts 19   (My summary -->)   After 3 months of speaking boldly and persuasively, Paul left Ephesus because there were those there who continued to disbelief and slander the word. HE LEFT THE ARGUMENTS because it was obvious NOTHING positive was coming out of it. He went ELSEWHERE to do what God told him to do and in turn the work in Ephesus was eventually accomplished.

We...are not here to save people. That is NOT our job. We are here to love, share, listen to the word, do the word, and plant good seed. Sometimes the harvest in someone's life happens instantly, but most times the harvest happens later on down the road and it happens because we helped plant seeds and nourish those seeds.

We are STILL helping even if we NEVER see the outcome. Have enough faith that God can take of it. Don't stay in an atmosphere where you will plant seed that will destroy the good seed already there. Don't be a part of it.




Romans 13:8       Owe no on anything, except to love each other, for teh one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Galations 5:13     For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Ephesians 4:2    with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

1 John 4:7     Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God