3:289 – Debate With Kindness

#faithbites #faithjourney debate

Setting

During my freshman year in college, there was a group of us who lived on the same floor and would regularly have deep conversations about life,.the universe, and everything. We talked religion, politics, sex, drugs, girls, and everything. While we had intense conversations, none of them were mean, spiteful, or vindictive. We all debated to learn and grow. It wasn’t about winning at all costs.

I want to go back to those days. I miss debating not to win but to discuss and learn. I’m saddened by the fact that it’s my way or the highway. Or by the fact that we often can’t see hypocrisy on our own beliefs. As I often do, I turn to God and ask for help.

Scripture

• 1 Peter 3:15-16 – But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
• 2 Timothy 4:2 – Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

Reflection

We are to stand up for the Lord, and that includes standing up for what w believe in. The key point is when we debate, when we stand up we need to do it with gentleness and respect. That is where we, myself included, fall short.

That when we preach the word or try to prove our point, we do it at all costs. We fall to sin and try to win rather than share just the gospel. That’s when our voice is louder than God’s.

To close off tonight, debating is fine. Standing up for the Lord is what we are challenged to do. We just need to rember to do it with gentleness, kindness and not look to win.

Challenge

Are you debating to win or to learn? Try to listen more, speak less, and spark discussion. See how that works and how your relationships change.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help us grow in you. Spark in us a curiosity to learn from others with am open mind and open heart. Let us debate and discuss to grow not to win. Help us see each other as friends and not conquests. We know we fail, please forgive us when we do. Let us see the truth, always. In your name, Amen.