Arguing Well

    How many of you have heard someone declare, "You can't argue someone into the kingdom?" This is usually followed up by a sermonette of sorts about how Christians are called to 'love' people into the kingdom. As if 'love' somehow excludes the proclamation of truth. Wake up church! Yes, love is huge. We are called to love God and love people (Lk 10:27), but we seem to be confused as to what that means. Certainly we are called to meet peoples physical needs (Js 2:17). Having a compassionate heart, a forgiving spirit, and a listening ear is of utmost importance too, but since when are Christians suppose to cower in fear of offending someone? Jesus is our example and He never shied away from an argument in which He spoke the truth in love. 

    Now before you have a conniption, I think some definitions may help us out: 1) Discussion - casual talk that exchanges ideas or information. 2) Disagreement - exchanging different views or opinions with no real agenda. 3) Argument - an exchange of different views with evidence and reason for these views (like a high school debate). 4) Fight - an exchange of attacks and insults. You see, the term, argument, has gotten a bad reputation when in fact arguments should be encouraged! I hope that all Christians learn to argue well and are not afraid to give the reasons why Jesus is answer (with gentleness and respect, of course). Reasons are important to people and they should be important to you too.