©Katie Lloyd Photography |
“The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” Titus 3:8-11 ESV
Some more thoughts on Titus (I am sure you don’t mind, right?), but I have just been thinking on these words a lot.
“We struggle with these commands to ‘avoid…. arguments’ because we know there are things worth disputing, and because it seems divisive to separate from divisive people… there is a difference between needing to divide and loving to divide. A divisive person loves to fight. The differences are usually observable. A person who loves the peace and purity of the church may be forced into division, but it is not his character. He enters arguments regrettably and infrequently. When forced to argue, he remains fair, truthful, and loving in his responses. He grieves to have to disagree with a brother. Those who are divisive by nature lust for the fray, incite its onset, and delight in being able to conquer another person. For them victory means everything. so in an argument they twist words, call names, threaten, manipulate procedures, and attempt to extend the debate as long as possible and along as many fronts as possible.
Divisive persons frequent the debates of the church. As a result the same voices and personalities tend to appear over and over again, even though the issues change. Paul’s words caution us about the seriousness of being ‘divisive.’ Though ego and entertainment may be served by argument, such engagement damages the church and should be avoided unless it is absolutely necessary.
At times we must fight (1:9). But if we love the fight, we must question if we are following God’s priorities. Do we really want to devote our lives to quarreling, criticism, and argument? The man of God must not strive (2 Timothy 2:24. 25). He is by nature peaceable and gentle (Titus 1:7; 2:1; 3:2). He stands where he must, but he takes no delight in debates among brethren and does not make them the priorities of his ministry. Nothing other than grace must be the priority of the gospel-centered church.”
Only God our Father can help us find the balance which is much needed today.
Awesome post Becky! Love you!
LikeLike
Love this Becky. You know my feelings about this sort of thing. Grace and Truth must be absolutely co-equal in our dealings with others as this represents the very nature of Christ.
Truth out of balance can lead to harsh criticism and grace out of balance can lead to moral and doctrinal error.
Thank you for your steadfastness in exhibiting both! Love you!
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing these comments from Bryan Chapell, Becky! His commentary is right on. These are ideas I've been meditating on through out this study & trying to put into action by God's grace.
LikeLike
Becky – this article makes me think of this verse:
“Out in the open wisdom calls aloud,
she raises her voice in the public square” (Prov 1:20).
Thank you for sharing such wisdom with us ♥
LikeLike
Very timely, indeed! Thinking this applies to some blogging & Facebooking trends I've been noticing lately. Praying for myself, that I might stay away from being divisive by the grace of God.
LikeLike
Such truth, so pregnant with grace, the way we should be! Love and hugs!
LikeLike
I am grateful that I just happened to be reading these words this past weekend. So, I agree with you, they are timely. And at the same time I am thinking, when they are not? I am sure we need to hear this kind of warnings and admonitions more often, as they are always “timely.”
Hugs!
LikeLike
Very timely post, Becky. And much appreciated.
LikeLike