Controversy

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:31-32

How do you handle controversy? When you and another disagree are you able to sit down with them and discuss what is found in Scripture? Or do you become bitter or angry and refuse to study with them on the subject of controversy?

As children of God we must not let anger get in the way of discussing the Word. Often times we will find a brother or sister with a different perspective or opinion on a given subject. We must be willing to discuss these differences with them and study to find the correct understanding. When two or more have differing thoughts on a particular passage each must understand they might be the one that is mistaken. Or possibly all are wrong. We must also recognize that all may be right.

Some may say how can all be right when they have different ideas regarding the meaning of a particular passage or subject? Many discussions have been ended when those involved took the time to fully understand what each participant was saying and realized they were all making the same point but approaching it from different perspectives. Or maybe one emphasizes one part of the passage while the other was emphasizing another portion. This has caused more than one case of problems in the church.

When discussing Scripture with others we must listen closely to what they are saying. Christians must not allow anger or bitterness to enter into their discussions. Often though, in our desire to get our point across we become defensive of our position on a given subject and simply close our ears to any other thoughts. In this frame of mind it is easy to become angry or bitter. Paul tells us in the passage above to have the opposite attitude. No matter how much we may differ with a brother or sister we must always be tenderhearted toward one another. God offers salvation to the vilest of sinners, should we not express the same love to those with whom we disagree.

Brethren, controversy and disagreements will arise. It is our responsibility to keep ourselves from sin when we engage in such discussions. Especially in public study situations, we must keep our discussions such that weaker brethren understand we are wholly concerned with teaching and understanding the Truth, not just trying to get someone to accept our point to the exclusion of their own. Let us always be diligent in preparation and in keeping ourselves right before God. - Dan Henderson

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