Hi Everyone,
I thought it would this would be a good time to contemplate how we interact with each other especially when it comes to matters we may have differences of opinion on, I hope to keep this relatively short as the scriptures certainly give us plenty to digest.
It is a commendable thing to be vigilant in our quest for His truth, it is not a commendable thing to seek arguments, debates especially with accusations spiced with prideful and snide remarks. It is indeed a delicate balancing act, it is a godly thing to consider first the health of the body rather than being proven right, especially when it becomes obvious that agreement is not forthcoming.
Why is it so difficult to drop a subject, agree to disagree? I have a one word answer. Pride, plain and simple. Sometimes we become so engrossed or absorbed with being "right" on one point we leave behind and forget the most important points. Faith, mercy, compassion, longsuffering, patience, etc.
In 2Peter 1:4-8 we see that we are to add temperance to our knowledge, our knowledge is imperfect and will remain so until that glorious day when we see Him face to face, I suspect that is when we will truly begin to have a perfect knowledge but even then it will be a process and not instantaneous what will be instantaneous is a pure heart and a godly love for all, all these things we should strive for now at the same time recognizing our own imperfections as we behold (often perceived) imperfection in others.
Some verses to consider;Pro 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.
Pro 17:14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
Pro 18:6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
Pro 22:10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.
Act 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Rom 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder,
debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Rom 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
Rom 1:31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
Rom 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
*Notice how "debate" ranks right up there with some mighty despicable stuff! Let us pray the following words are not being spoken to us at His return.2Co 12:20 For I fear, lest when I come, I shall not find you such as I would and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
As I close I wanted to add that overall the Forum has been an oasis for us to search and share together, the brethren (for the most part) have shown spiritual maturity in avoiding vain and prideful statements and this gives me joy, that is one reason I have been content to read and absorb and not post as much as I once did, which I am sure gives more than a few great joy as well!
His Peace and Wisdom to you,
Joe