Many times when people dis-agree with us our first response is to be hurt ( or ) their challenging my position ... how dare they.
Paul said some preach Christ even of strife and contention, supposing to rub it in even more - but others sincerely !!
So then Which category does s.o.t fit into then ??
That depends on how i carry myself and how i deal with barrages, criticism, objections....or just people who insist i have the wrong take on a particular passage.
You see for the most part - im so over this thing of the [petty squabbles and in-fighting] - or that of seeking to justify myself or to have the last word ( on the matter ).
Blessed are the who ? "The peacemakers - not the peace breakers"
We are cautioned from the book of Galations not to bite and devour each other ~~ lest ye be consumed the one of the other.
Things between brethren can quickly escalate and deteriorate to the point brothers never talk to each other again.
Differing views as we know saw Barnabus and Saul depart from each other over the issue of John Mark and their contentions became so strong they split asunder ( such a thing was not necessary ) but the nonetheless Paul later speaks of his friend Barnabus in glowing terms having put it behind him and moved on. !!
Doth not Peter say grudge not against each other brethren ~~ dis-agreements and mis-understandings will come, but the best way to abort it from becoming a raging fire is to simply move on and walk away.
Otherwise you get situations like this between warring brethren " you said this and i tell you are so so wrong about the matter " then that person will usually respond by saying words to the effect " i never said that at all - and your mis-quoting me "
And on and on and on -- then the drama and saga continues ( the whole he said - she said thing, with both parties insisting their in the right and with both parties insisting they've done nothing wrong ) ad-infinitum
This is why it is often hard for a [court of law] to determine guilt and innocence - and who is at fault ... as both parties often wrangle and give conflicting stories and evidence to the judge and jury listening - and collating the evidence
Jesus was right "woe unto the world because of offences" it is enevitable offences will come, but woe unto the person by WHOM -- it came
Ive met lots of people over the years that have a contrary and argumentative spirit !!
It's like everything you say, thay have alternative and differing view (or) always see two sides to everything you say.
What ive found out recently going back over the book of Galations is a word called "VARIANCE"
It means to be always contrary, to be off-side with people, to be diffadent, or to be at odds with people -- to be looking for arguments.
Paul talked to Timothy about perverse disputings
Doting about words to no profit....
But to the subverting of the hearer !!
strife of words etc etc
James says be not decieved the wisdom that comes from above is first PURE -- THEN PEACABLE, GENTLE, FULL OF GOOD FRUITS, [ and easy to be entreated ]
But contrarywise strife and envy is sensual and demonic ( devilish ) and ascends from the very PIT.
LET US NOT BE DECIEVED THOUGH BRETHREN EVEN THOUGH WE ALL CONFRONT STICKY SITUATIONS AT TIMES AND MIS-UNDERSTANDINGS FROM PEOPLE -- that it is the peacemakers who shall be called "the CHILDREN of God"
The world has a saying that goes like this: " you may win the argument -- but in the process lose a friend "
Ive known people over the decades that don't care about friendship, they only want to win the argument or to prove their bible knowledge is superior to yours.
But to sum the post up i would admonish us all including myself to fulfil this verse from 2nd peter 3:14 " be diligent that you may be found in him [ IN PEACE ], without spot and blameless.
NOTICE THE EMPHASIS IS "FOUND IN PEACE" -- OF HIM ( GOD THE FATHER )
Be not decieved ~~ whatever you bind on earth is also bound in heaven....if you bind bitternes to yourself - it will defile you and spread to others.
Whose sins SOEVER "YE RETAIN" ....then they are retained.
If you forgive not men their tresspasses then NEITHER - will your father forgive your offences either.
If you come to the altar and you know you have ought in your heart against a brother, leave your gift at the altar: and first be reconciled to your brother.
Confess your faults one to the other ...that you may be healed.
If you harbour grudges, hostility, or enmity in your heart....then your walking in darkness, even until now.
Don't justify your enmity -- deal with it, or it will consume you ~~and as Jesus said you will be given over to the tormentors until you release THAT PERSON -- from his alleged debt and offence.
Release them from your own prison of unforgiveness -- well i don't like you and your post offended me: and i won't read them anymore ( put away childish things brethren ) in malice be a child though - but in understanding ... BE MEN
