How Should We Then Argue?

Have you ever unfollowed someone on social media because all they do is stir up controversy? Maybe you've unfollowed someone or even blocked them because they consistently share an opinion that is completely against what you believe? Or maybe instead of blocking them, you decide to engage with them in the comments section. It doesn't take long to find pointless arguments as you scroll through Facebook.

Somehow the Church has picked up this habit as well. But instead of writing a blog post complaining about how ridiculous that is, it seems a better use of my time and yours to talk about how we should act differently. Keep in mind, the principles we are about to talk about will be spoken of in light of social media, but can also be applied to actual real-life conversations (which is where we should actually have these discussions). So here's the question:

When someone posts or communicates an opinion that I disagree with, what should I do?

TWO ENDS OF THE SPECTRUM

The responses of many seem to typically fall in one of two categories. Either we engage with outrage and disgust that they could possibly think any differently than we do, or we ignore them seeing as they simply are not as enlightened as we are. But I believe that there is a better way. Best of all, I believe the Bible clearly tells us what that better way is. Check it out:

Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

- 2 Timothy 2:23–26

GOSPEL SATURATED ARGUMENTS

In the name of "standing up for what we believe" many Christians have pushed people away from the Gospel because nobody will ever desire to be a part of a community that spews disgust and judgement upon everyone that disagrees with them. At the same time, in the name of "showing love" many Christians have failed to communicate the Gospel to a lost world. We have to find a middle ground.

Paul tells us that the goal of any argument is to respond with gentleness as we correct them so that God may grant them repentance. I have never seen anyone led to repentance through judgement. I have also never seen anyone led to repentance simply by being nice to them without telling them the truth and correcting them. It's the whole: grace & truth dynamic; you can't have one without the other.

Somehow we have become more concerned about our "rights as Americans" than we are about people knowing the Gospel.

AVOID IGNORANT CONTROVERSIES

Don't miss what Paul says at the beginning of this passage either: "have NOTHING to do with foolish, ignorant controversies." If the argument does not matter when it comes to the grand theme of the Gospel, then it's probably not worth severing your relationship with that person over. We must always be able to bring the conversation back to the main issue: the Gospel that leads to salvation.

I'm not saying that we should never talk about anything other than the Gospel. Neither am I suggesting that debating social, political or moral issues is wrong. I'm saying that we must be discerning in these things. If you can have a difference of opinion without causing anger or frustration; go for it. But if the argument is headed nowhere and begins to cause tension between you and the person you're talking with, it's probably not worth it.

Jesus did this over and over again. For example, when asked about whether they should pay taxes to Caesar; his response diffused the argument: "Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Essentially, Jesus' response was "let's talk about eternal matters." He gave his opinion on taxes and quickly placed their focus on something that really mattered. You could say that it was a "Jesus juke."

HOW SHOULD WE THEN ARGUE?

To break it all down and make it simple; let's decide to stand for the truth in love. We must love unconditionally, and defend the truth undoubtedly. If the conversation leaves no opportunity for "repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth," then it may be one that you need to agree to disagree on.

I'm not calling for Christians to disengage in the public circle, rather I am calling us learn how to engage. I'm calling for us to "patiently endure evil" all the while pointing back to the Gospel. After all, God never engaged in pointless arguments with us; He settled every argument by sending Jesus. He is the answer. God has not called us to defend Him, but to preach the Gospel; He can defend Himself pretty well.