Carol Swenson
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The Handbook of Bible Application
ARGUMENTS (Anger, Disputing, Fighting)
How can arguments be prevented between Christians?
BIBLE READING: Philippians 2:12-18
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Do everything without complaining or arguing. (Philippians 2:14, NIV)
Unity around the person of Jesus Christ should be maintained. Why are complaining and arguing so harmful? If all that people know about a church is that its members constantly argue, complain, and gossip, they get a false impression of Christ’s gospel. Belief in Christ should unite those who trust him. If the people in our church are always complaining and arguing, they lack the unifying power of Jesus Christ. Stop arguing with other Christians or complaining about people and conditions within the church and let the world see Christ.
BIBLE READING: Proverbs 15:1-9
KEY BIBLE VERSE: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1, NIV)
Arguments are prevented when people exercise self-control. Have you ever tried to argue in a whisper? It is equally hard to argue with someone who insists on answering softly. On the other hand, a rising voice and harsh words almost always trigger an angry response. To turn away wrath and seek peace, quiet words are your best choice.
BIBLE READING: Titus 3:1-11
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. (Titus 3:9, NIV)
Clear understanding avoids arguments. Paul warned Titus, as he warned Timothy, not to get involved in arguments over unanswerable questions (2 Timothy 2:14). This does not mean we should refuse to study, discuss, and examine different interpretations of difficult Bible passages. Paul is warning against petty quarrels, not honest discussions that lead to wisdom. When foolish arguments develop, it is best to turn the discussion back to a track that is going somewhere or politely excuse yourself.
How should we respond to arguments between others?
BIBLE READING: Proverbs 26:17-28
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Like one who seizes a dog by the ears is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own. (Proverbs 26:17, NIV)
Avoid interfering with arguments between others. Yanking a dog’s ears is a good way to get bitten, and interfering in arguments is a good way to get hurt. Many times both arguers will turn on the person who interferes. It is best simply to keep out of arguments that are none of your business. If you must become involved, try to wait until the arguers have stopped fighting and cooled off a bit. Then maybe you can help them mend their differences and their relationship.
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