Quarrels

In the UK currently, we are in the middle of an Election campaign to vote for our next Government. Politicians are busily trying to persuade the population to vote for them and trying to undermine any possibility that we might consider voting for the other lot! TV and radio, friends, and communities are full of rival voices clamouring for support.

But, as I listen, it seems to me that some of the debate about significant issues seems to drift into something more akin to foolish and stupid arguments. It makes me wonder how we navigate such differences of opinion in the world around us, but also in the Christian communities, churches and families that we belong to.

Interestingly, when Paul tells his apprentice Timothy to beware of foolish and stupid arguments, because this can lead to quarrels, there is much we can learn from his wisdom. A simple definition of a quarrel is a heated argument or disagreement, typically about a trivial issue and between people who are usually on good terms. Especially in the context of the body of Christ, where we all seek to follow our Lord Jesus, Paul’s advice makes a lot of sense.

We need to be very careful that differences of opinion, or even matters of dispute, do not lead to any breaking of relationship which undermines the unity of the body. So, Paul instructs Timothy not to quarrel and to avoid quarrels.

“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:23-26).

Of course, all this is easier said than done, especially in subjects that really matter and about which we’re passionate. This is why we all need God’s help. For it seems that when we allow our differences to lead to quarrels, we have played straight into the enemy’s hands.

So, what should we do?

Open and honest debate and discussion are a healthy and positive thing. But we may need to repent of potentially making trivial things too important, and to forgive anyone who has transgressed against us in their disagreement with us. Where possible, we should seek reconciliation in a gentle way.

Maybe when Paul talks of people coming to their senses, he is suggesting that we see the small disputes for what they really are, and appreciate that having love between us is far more important.

Better still, let’s try and avoid all this by having nothing to do with foolish and stupid arguments. I’d vote for that!