Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.
Civil Discourse
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).
Have you noticed a breakdown in our ability as a society to engage in civil discourse? I have. It seems we prefer to argue with each other rather than engage in a constructive exchange of ideas. The goal for many is to “win” the argument with a snarky comment. This is particularly true on social media.
Jesus certainly did not agree with the views of the Pharisees, but instead of engaging in devise arguments he often told asked questions or made statements to encourage them to search their heart. For example, in John 8 we learn that a woman had been caught in the act of
adultery. The Pharisees brought the women in front of crowd and then confronted Jesus. “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”
In Mark 3 Jesus heals on the Sabbath at the displeasure of the Pharisees because the Mosaic law prohibited work on the Sabbath. “Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.”
One strategy that we can use when confronted by an offensive person is to say “What I heard you say was (fill in the blank). Is that what you intended to say?” This will allow a break in the conversation for both parties to “cool off” and reflect on what they are saying and hearing. Many years ago, I took a speech communications class. One thing I remember most vividly is the art of communication. This means that it is the responsibility of the sender of the message to ensure that the message delivered is the same message that is received. We should be mindful that much of our message is non-verbal and the verbal component is influenced by our tone.
We can disagree with each other without being disagreeable. Isn’t it better to win a friend than win an argument?
Meet the Author
Todd Shupe is a Men’s Ministry Specialist through the General Commission of United Methodist Men and is in training to be a Certified Lay Minister through the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He currently serves as the President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and is a Board Member for Gulf South Men and serves on the Action Team for The Kingdom Group. He is a volunteer for the Walk to Emmaus, Grace Camp, and Iron Sharpens Iron. Todd resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
We welcome your comments below.
Liked this post?
Read more below or search for more topics...
-
The Thorn of Divorce
The Thorn of Divorce “Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ;... -
Evil Can Occur During Church
Evil Can Occur During Church "So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me" (Romans 7:21 NIV). I am angry about the continued shootings at our churches. Our churches are God’s house on earth. Psalm 46:1 teaches us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). I think we can substitute “church” for “God” in the scripture. As Christians we seek out His refuge and strength, particularly on Sunday mornings as we gather with the Body of Christ. This is a special, holy, sacred time. It should... -
Who Is Responsible For My Salvation?
Who Is Responsible For My Salvation? “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God” Romans 14:12 (NIV). Throughout the Bible we are encouraged whenever possible to live in peace with our neighbors. For example, Scripture teaches us to live in harmony (Romans 12:16), carry each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), and help others in need (Deuteronomy 15:11). Godly living calls us to turn the other cheek and returning evil with love. We have the ability, and the Christian joyful obligation, to positively impact each other’s spiritual lives. There is certainly strength in numbers. You may recall the Scripture...