Wherever you go, you’ll find people who think they know it all. Older people who are afraid of becoming useless might try to prove they have a superior amount of knowledge. Religious people might use their strong opinions like a weapon, attacking you until you’re beaten down, and it feels easier to agree with them than to keep defending your viewpoint. The Bible says, ‘fight hard for the faith’ (Jude v. 3 NCV). But there’s a difference between fighting and being antagonistic. Paul wrote: ‘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’ (2 Timothy 2:23-24 NIV). Remember these four phrases: 1) ‘Must not be quarrelsome.’ Don’t argue, just plant the seeds of God’s Word and trust the Holy Spirit to work in people’s hearts. 2) ‘Be kind to everyone.’ There’s no need to be hostile or disagreeable, or to try and put someone down when they don’t share your viewpoint. If you find yourself doing that, stop and ask yourself what’s actually driving you towards unkindness. Your self-worth isn’t measured by how many people you can prove wrong, and you don’t lose anything by being kind. 3) ‘Able to teach.’ Instead of trying to force your opinions on someone, just say, ‘Here‘s what I’ve discovered in the Bible, and here’s the difference it has made in my life.’ Nobody can argue with the evidence of a changed life – and your testimony might just change theirs. 4) ‘Not resentful.’ Only when your own hurts have been healed can God use you to heal the hurts of others. So, pray: ‘Father, make me an instrument of peace so that people will be open to the truth that you reveal to them through me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.’
