Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Arguing

As someone that has taught critical thinking to hundreds of students, I understand how to make a point based on logic. This is called an argument. However, that is not what I am addressing here. When two people disagree, especially if they have a close relationship, they can make it be about each other and not the subject. That is not critical thinking. That is being critical, or maybe just plain mean to each other. This is not good. We are meant to be positive to one another.

Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Paul was not talking about the exact subject here, as he was addressing bad teaching, but letter he does include how we address one another in his letter to the Ephesians.

Ephesians 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

We are not to let our day go by without settling our differences with those around us. Why might that be, and what are we to be doing?

Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

We are to forgive one another, just like Jesus forgave us not because of who we are but because of who He is. This brings peace to us and to the one we are arguing with. What we need to do is use praise (psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs) to teach and admonish each other, to build each other up.

Next time you feel like arguing with your spouse, a parent, or a brother or sister, try singing. Then let there be peace.

Prayer
Father, we praise and exalt You. We thank You for being our God and for forgiving us. We ask that You forgive us for the evil or mean things we say to people, and help us to do better with that. Help us to be the source of building others up. Help us to be the source of Your peace in the lives of others. Please send us Your healing today, Your deliverance today, and Your provision today. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.