Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity

Dirty Words

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I’m going to throw some words out at you this week.

Argue. It’s a dirty word.

Debate. Another dirty word and often seen as an unrewarding endeavor.

Conflict. Just avoid it at all costs.

However, Christians do not avoid arguing, debating, or conflict in the strictest sense and we should look to Scripture to learn how and why we enter into these arenas.

St. Peter wrote,
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. (1 Peter 3:14-16)

St. Peter reminds Christians that they are called to give a defense for their faith, to argue and debate, but to do so with gentleness.

St. Paul was recorded as entering the fray in the book of Acts as it was written,
And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” (Acts 17:2-3)

To reason is to dispute, discuss, and debate. There is always a need to dispute false teaching and to discuss and debate the Christian faith so you might grow in it. The opposite is worse: not speaking of your faith at all. But we must remember to do so in humility, gentleness, and the desire to sharpen one another (Proverbs 27:17).

My friends, as we deepen our faith, let us commit to reading the Scripture more diligently, shed unnecessary assumptions, ask meaningful questions, and support one another’s spiritual growth. Together, we can strengthen our faith and inspire each other to grow.

In Christ,
Pastor Rogness