Wrangling Over Words

Today's reading: II Timothy 1-2

Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening. II Timothy 2:14 NRSV

Avoid wrangling over words.

Stop arguing about what this or that truly means.

Especially if you are sharing the gospel.

If you have more than one person trying to bring someone else to Christ and they are not quite on the same page with what something means, it is better if they don't argue over what words have what meaning. Is that going to touch someone's heart? No, it will just turn them away. Who wants to be a part of something that no one can agree on?

This is better said than done. I am always going to want people to see it my way (which is the right way, of course : ) ) rather than keep my mouth shut. Perhaps I will wait until I can get that person alone. Then I can explain the real truth. That will lead them to Christ, right? Or will that just send them running away?

This is true with current believers as well as converts. Stop wrangling over words! It only ruins whomever is listening.

God, you don't want us to argue over meanings as much as you want us to love one another. Help us, Lord, help us. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims