Be Careful What You Say

In reading the Bible last night, I was reminded once again to be careful what I say and how I say it.  Its ok to disagree or even argue your point, but do it in love and be in control of yourself.

2 Timothy 2:22-26 (NKJV)

Flee also youthful lusts but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.  But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.  And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

2 Timothy 3:2-5 (NKJV)

For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness buy denying its power.  And from such people turn away.

These are Pauls words in a letter to Timothy, cautioning him on how to act toward and treat others in his ministry.  As applicable today as they were several thousand years ago.

In wanting to "win" and argument or "make" the other person see our point of view or agree with us, do we cross over into the 2nd set of scriptures.  I continually have to remind myself that no one will see the real Truth unless the Lord opens their hearts and eyes to it. 

I watch with amusement and caution many of the conversations and arguments over different topics on facebook.  Both sides want their own point of view to be first and foremost on any topic and if the other person doesn't agree, the name calling and unhealthy speech start  The only real authority on any topic is the Lord and His Word, the Bible.  What was called a sin then, is still a sin now...it doesn't change with the passage of time.  It is ok to correct someone who is in opposition to what the scripture says...but argue it with scripture not the latest fad, book, speaker or Pastor.  We can all get it wrong or pull a passage out of context to make it say what we want. 

Thankful for ~

wise words

revealed truth

opened eyes

the Holy Bible