Today's Reading:
Esther 1:1-3:15
Titus 3:1-15
Psalm 119:145-152
Click on Text Link to Read Online
Focus Verses: Titus 3:9-11
9 But
avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels
about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. 10 Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.
Insight:
Being
argumentative is dangerous and divisive. It’s one thing to ask hard
questions, to reason through disagreements, and to think through
important issues. It's another thing altogether to be quarrelsome and
nitpicky about things that are of questionable value.
An
unhealthy interest in controversy is usually indicative of
self-centeredness and pride. It is sinful and distorted to value your
own opinions (and the sound of your own voice) over the people with whom
you disagree. People who stir up controversy over unimportant and
unknowable things are hurting themselves and those associated with them.
Response and Action:
I
want to avoid foolish and stupid arguments. When there is an issue or
controversy that is important to me, I will strive to discuss it and
handle it in humble and respectful ways. I will not value my opinions
over people, but will instead exercise thoughtful restraint. I will be
careful to listen and interact respectfully in a genuine effort to
understand.
I will recognize and remember that some
things are not important enough to argue about. I will not discuss
difficult issues with people who are unable to do so without being
threatened and upset. I will not let unimportant things become quarrels
that hurt and divide.
O
God, show me your ways. Guide me in your truth and teach me. Give me a
humble spirit so that I can be teachable. Give me sensitivity and care
for others that I might be able to discuss important and difficult
things in constructive and loving ways. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Philippians 2:14-16a
14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so
that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault
in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in
the universe 16a as you hold out the word of life..."
Resources:
Talking About Good And Bad Without Getting Ugly
by Paul Chamberlain
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