Arguing

When Discussing am I doing it to..

• present truth
• defend truth
• clarify truth
• learn truth
• correct falsehoods

Does being right or getting my point across mean more to me than helping someone or learning something new or even keeping peace? Here is some related scripture

• "Jesus died for all, that those who live should no longer live to themselves but to Him who died for them and was raised again." (2 Corinthians 5:15)
• “Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” (Romans 15:2)
• “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10)
• "Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works .. encourage one another" (Hebrews 10:24)
• "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the good news of Christ." (Philippians 1:27)
• God said to Job, "Would you indeed annul my justice? Would you declare me guilty so that you might be right?" (Job 40:8)
• Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. (2 Timothy 2:23-24)
• Avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. (Titus 3:9)
• Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. (2 Timothy 2:14)
• Command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work—which is by trust. (1 Timothy 1:3-4)

This is all for Christ and His kingdom. Avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, correct in humility, do not quarrel, be patient, be gentle to all.

More Than Just Evangelism...

Evangelism isn't the primary job of the assembly. Here are just a few. Notice how they often involve having relationships & intimate relationships with one another.

1 Peter 4:8-11
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

Romans 15:2
“Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”

Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another in love.”

Hebrews 10:24-25
“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”