Tuesday; October 29

One of my favorite New Testament verses says, “… but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ …” (Ephesians 4:15).   This verse seems to indicate that it isn’t enough to just be right; in Christianity, there is a right way to be right.  Winning an argument is no excuse for losing our reputation.  As I thought about this verse the other day, I got to wondering about the demands of righteousness when expressing our opinions.  If we have a responsibly to speak the truth in love, how much more of an obligation do we owe people when what we are espousing is just our beliefs.  If we are to be kind when it comes to truth, imagine our responsibility when it comes to our ideas! 

Over the next week there will be a lot of opinions presented.  People will agree with some, people will disagree with some and a few might be useful in changing minds or influencing opinions.  However, one thing that can be safely said is that very few people will be positively influenced by cranky, hard-nosed people.  I don’t know about you, but I am not apt to follow someone who berates me or my thoughts and I for sure will not be influenced by someone becoming angry with me or the way I think.  

Over the next few days, let’s develop a social mantra, “Speaking our opinions in love”.  Let’s be willing to share opposing ideas, but let’s do it in a way that even if we don’t win the argument, we don’t lose a friend.  Candidates, issues and philosophies will come and go throughout our lifetimes, but we will only a certain number of opportunities to influence people.  Election 2024 will be over soon, let’s make sure our positive reputations don’t go away with it. 

Think About It!

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