“But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.” Titus 3:9-11

Dear Jesus, There’s something intoxicating about the pursuit of an argument. The prize of being right or feeling right all too easily drags my heart into debate. Somehow winning over anyone with an opposing viewpoint feels like I’m conquering the world. I’m embarrassed at how the argument can be about the smallest domestic issue in my own home or as large as some world political platform that I have no control over. I can quarrel about how things should be done or about what I actually said back when versus what someone thought I said. In Titus’ days his church friends were tempted to argue about Pharisaical righteousness; that is, who was being good by following personal religious traditions or not. I have noticed how easily I can get caught up in my own church debates too. Oh Jesus, don’t let me lose time and hurt people by getting caught up in useless arguing about anything. I want off that bus. I want to pursue peace and find ways to share your word and grace with others rather than intoxicate myself with debate whether with family, church members or secular friends. Amen.

Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.