Fighting

Before I accepted my calling in ministry, I was aware of some of the things that were in the bible. I would go to various bible studies, and discuss the word of God. I would often find myself the victim of open correction on scriptures. At first, I was always upset and frustrated. The Lord spoke to me and said, “My word is not an opinion, but things happen when I speak (read Genesis 1)”. So I begin reading the word, and discovered so many things about God. I also begin to study the word, and journeyed unto in even deeper relationship with God. After reading and studying the word, I came to the conclusion that reading/studying the Word of God is a lifelong education. A person can never understand and know everything in the bible. As I continued in ministry, I begin teaching others and I still found myself as the victim of open correction. I notice people were trying to apply their revelation of the word to me; I instantly was confrontational about the word. After I settled down, I remember that word is not for confrontation. The word is true, and truth is relative. With that being said, I was reminded again in 2 Timothy the reasons we should not argue over scripture. In 2 Timothy 2:14, “Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen”. Remember that arguing over scripture can prove who is right or who is wrong, but ultimately can/will damage a believer that is listening. Furthermore, 2 Timothy 2:15 tells you how a person should go about studying the Word of God, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” The only person that should be approving your studying is God, not man. God reveals different things to different saints. We are all members of 1 body, but we all have different parts and responsibilities. In 2 Timothy 2:25, “Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth”, notes that if you want to correct someone over scriptural inaccuracies then do it gently. Essentially, however we correct anyone do it with love. We as a church have to stop fighting over scripture, especially in public. Too many non-believers and new converts are being hurt, because veteran saints have childish like ways in wanting to be right all the time. Paul says, “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” I am in adult, and as an adult I have attain a certain maturity level that I maintain. Likewise, a mature Christian is to maintain a level of maturity that welcomes non-believers and grows new converts. Let’s stop fighting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!