Called to Win Souls, Not Arguments
Should you step in and fight? Or pull back completely when there is a conflict? It seems like there are some people who are always up for a battle and some who would prefer to never have to confront anyone or anything. I have heard Christians argue on both sides of these questions. And of course, when Christians argue their points, we seem to always have a scripture or two ready to quote to defend our actions. Yes, I know the scriptures are called a sword, but I am pretty sure we aren’t called to go around thumping or slicing up people with our Bibles. And at the same time, we should be looking to scripture to help guide our thoughts and behaviors. I think Jesus was more focused on winning souls than winning arguments.
There were certainly times in the Gospel records where Jesus addressed those who opposed him head on. Matthew 23 is a good example of Jesus speaking directly to the scribes and Pharisees with his seven “woes.” But the chapter ends with Jesus grieving and longing for those in the city of Jerusalem to know his great love:
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!”
Earlier in Matthew’s Gospel, we read how the scribes and Pharisees conspired against Jesus about how they might destroy him. But in this section, Jesus simply withdrew from them and changed locations. Matthew ends this section quoting Isaiah: “I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope.” Ultimately, Jesus did not fight back when he was arrested but laid down his life willingly so that everyone might be forgiven.
So, how do we handle difficult situations that are filled with conflict? And how do we treat people who seem to only want to fight with us? Maybe a word from James and Paul might help. James said that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God who will give us his wisdom generously. Our first step then is to pray for wisdom before we engage.
Paul told Timothy that the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone. As hard as it might seem to understand, I suspect the Holy Spirit knew even way back that believers would one day be tempted to fight and argue and attack each other on social media. I think this principle of not being quarrelsome is for all of us in every generation and in every form of media. Paul went on to say that “God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” Our tone and our approach to others who we disagree with matters.
Father, our world is filled with conflict. It seems that every day there are those who want to attack and fight over both little and big things. Forgive us when we get drawn in to those arguments and fights. We ask that you give us your wisdom so that we might know when to withdraw and when to speak with kindness and share your love and truth. Forgive us when we fall into the trap of fighting for our own kingdoms instead of introducing others to you and your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
2 Timothy 2:24-26; James 1:5; Matthew 12:14-21, 23:37 ESV
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